Authorities search area near Rite Aid in Shop City Plaza
Rite Aid robbery suspect
/ Courtesy: Onondaga Co. Sheriff's Dept.
SYRACUSE -- Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies have released a surveillance photo of the man accused of robbing a local drug store.
It happened Wednesday at 5:47 p.m. at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in the Shop City Plaza in Syracuse.
Deputies say the man entered the store, approached the clerk, and asked about buying cigarettes that were locked up behind the cashier's counter.
Investigators say he then grabbed cigarettes and other tobacco products and ran toward the door.
The man allegedly lifted his sweatshirt and displayed what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband and threatened a store employee who tried to stop him from leaving.
Sheriff's deputies, including members of the Sheriff's K-9 unit, searched the area for the suspect and interviewed several witnesses.
No one was hurt.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5'8" tall, and roughly 180 pounds, according to deputies. He was last seen wearing a white knit cap with a brim, a black zip-up hooded jacket, white t-shirt and blue jeans.
The suspect's clothing was reported to be oversized and baggy.
Deputies are expected to release store surveillance photos as they become available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division at 435-3081 or by sending an e-mail to sherifftips@ongov.net.
