During the course of the investigation, Officers and Detectives have collected numerous pieces of evidence to include Pharmacy drugs and burglary tools that were used to enter the facility. From what we can tell, these individuals located a rear open door in a vacant business suite next to the Publix. They entered the empty suite and were able to knock a hole in the wall that allowed them to gain entry into the store. Indications are both perpetrators then slid across the floor to the pharmacy and were able to force their way into the department. The method of entry hid their activity from persons outside the store and stock employees who were working inside at the time of the incident. Detectives have also determined, the suspects were able to disable the store alarm system upon making entry into the facility.
Detectives are working to examine items that were left on scene in order to obtain additional evidence with the goal of identifying these individuals. It appears the criminals were interrupted as they committed the act and were not able to get away with the prescription narcotics they were attempting to steal. Additionally, Police staff will be working with other agencies in the metro area who are investigating similar incidents at stores in their jurisdictions.
This is an active investigation and anyone with information about this crime is urged to call 911 or contact the Police Department’s main number at 770-720-4883.
