- April 18, 2024
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Also: Beware phone frauds.
Within a week of pressing for a moratorium on pill mills, the Flagler County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating an armed robbery of a pharmacy from which hundreds of pills were stolen.
Deputies responded to the Winn Dixie pharmacy, on State Road 100, around 11:37 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. The pharmacist said a white male walked up to the counter and handed him a note demanding oxycodone and cash. The robber said he had a gun, but did not want to use it. No gun was displayed.
According to a press release by the Sheriff ’s Office, the pharmacist was handed a plastic bag for the pills and once the robber received them, the robber left through the front door of the store. No cash was taken.
Deputies reported the man was believed to be traveling in a dark-colored vehicle. He is described as being about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, wearing a blue-hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. He was wearing yellow gloves at the time of the robbery.
“We are hopeful that someone may have seen this man leaving or entering his vehicle in the parking lot,” said Sheriff Donald Fleming. “Any information would be of assistance to our detectives.”
Fleming also is warning Flagler County residents of two phony phone scams that could cost victims hundreds of dollars.
Holiday scam
The Flagler County Sheriff ’s Office warned Thursday, Nov. 18, of reports that residents are receiving telephone calls soliciting donations on behalf of the Sheriff ’s Office. The caller asks for financial donations to a “Christmas for Kids” pro gram that the caller claims is being sponsored by the Sheriff ’s Office. The caller then asks for credit card information for the donation.
“It’s unfortunate that someone is trying to make money that could legitimately go to local organizations that provide services to families in need,” Fleming said. Calls are originating from the 904 area code. The Sheriff ’s Office does not conduct telephone solicitations, according to spokesperson Debra Johnson.
‘Grandma’ scam surfaces
Within the past few weeks, another telephone scam has made its way through the phone lines.
On Nov. 17, a deputy responded to a call in which Lucy Lavender, of Flagler Beach, stated she received a phone call the morning of Nov. 15 from a male who identified himself as her grandson, Adam.
Lavender actually has a grandson named Adam, who lives in Georgia. The man calling wasn’t her grandson, but said he had hit a man with his car. According to a Sheriff ’s Office report, the man then asked Lavender if she could send $2,200 to an address in the Philippines.
Adam said the money was going to the man’s father, who would then fly to the U.S. to pick up his son. The report states that Lavender then drove to a grocery store and sent the $2,200.
On Nov. 16, the same “Adam” called back and thanked Lavender, but said he needed another $900. This time, Lavender said she didn’t have the money and that he should call his parents for help.
The next day, he called again, this time reducing his request to $600, and she consented. However, after Lavender sent the money, she called the real grandson’s parents, in Georgia. They confirmed Adam wasn’t in trouble. Lavender was able to cancel the $600 transfer and will be reimbursed.
ARMCHAIR DEPUTIES WANTED:
The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information on the pill theft, or on the phone fraud scams, to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 313-4911 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-277- 8477.
