Pharmacies burglarized
Published 12:00 am Friday, February 2, 2007
Two robberies within 37 minutes
By Deborah Goodwin
The Selma Times-Journal
On Tuesday, two pharmacies were burglarized within 37 minutes.
At 8:41 p.m. the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call regarding a burglary at the Valley Grande Pharmacy. The suspects gained entry by breaking one of the glass doors at the front entrance.
According to Investigator Mike Granthum, two male suspects wearing bandannas on their faces, hats and gloves were caught on the store’s surveillance camera.
Granthum said the suspects were carrying &8220;big duffle bags&8221; with them.
According to Granthum, the suspects proceeded to go behind the counter and steal prescription Methadone. The drug is used for the treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence (www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov).
The culprits acted quickly, officials said.
The suspects left scuff marks from their shoes along the front of the checkout counter and tampered with the store safe, but no money was stolen.
Just 37 minutes earlier &045; at 8:04 p.m. &045; the Med Center Pharmacy across the street from the Dallas County Health Department in Selma, was burglarized also. Methadone was stolen from that pharmacy as well.
Granthum suspects the two burglaries are related.
No arrests have been made in either case.
The Valley Grande Pharmacy has been open since May 1, 2006.
Owner Lee &8220;Sonny&8221; Gibbs said he chose to open the pharmacy because Valley Grande &8220;is a growing area.&8221;
Pharmacy technician Gaye Buchanan said many customers comment that they are glad to have a pharmacy in Valley Grande because it is convenient for them.