(Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)
Harry Race Pharmacy was robbed late Wednesday night (11-18-15) and the Sitka Police are now looking for the suspect.
Police say a 5’10” man with an average build broke in to Harry Race Pharmacy at around 11:05 Wednesday night. The man allegedly stole a box of 6-millimeter needle insulin syringes by the brand BD and left nine minutes later.
Surveillance video shows he was wearing a light grey hoodie over top of a black one, black pants, tennis shoes and a dark ski mask. According to police, the suspect should have a cut on his arm, most likely on his right hand or finger. He broke the glass back door of the pharmacy on Lincoln Street to get inside.
The burglary is believed to be drug-related. Ultra-fine syringes are commonly used to inject controlled substances such as heroin.
Trish White, co-owner of Harry Race, says she is more concerned and frustrated than upset about the burglary. She says she heard reports about drug-related deaths in Juneau that morning.
“That probably is my biggest worry,” she said.
Over the last 30 years, she estimates the pharmacy has been broken into about seven times. White says the burglaries are always for drugs and related items.
“We don’t really have much else that’s that exciting to break a window down for,” White said. “It’s not the first time, it’s not the fifth time and you worry about the public. Because you don’t want this stuff. It’s behind closed doors and locked up for a reason.”
The police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man. And White also implored people to report anything on the crime, so the suspect can get help.
“The truth is it’s a safety concern for all of us and that’s what makes me angry,” she said. “This is about our friends and family this is a small community and you want to make sure everyone is safe and secure.”
At this time, there is not a cost estimate for damages. She says the burglary has not affected Harry Race’s business hours. The pharmacy is open.
If you have any information in regards to a possible suspect or anything that could assist the police, you can call the department at 747-3245 or the anonymous crime line at 747-8980.
