Police arrest man in pharmacy heists

PROVO — Police say they have arrested a man in the robbery of several Utah County pharmacies and businesses. The arrest was made after a high-speed chase and a crash Wednesday night. Police began chasing a man at about 5:45 p.m. after they said he attempted to rob Park Pharmacy, 1591 W. Center in Provo.

Police said he entered the pharmacy clad in a black hooded jacket that covered part of his face. He then brandished a handgun and demanded OxyContin and Percocet, Provo Police Capt. Cliff Argyle said.

An employee attempted to shut a security window, but the man forced it open and climbed onto the counter, police said. The employee surrendered the drugs and the man put them in a bag and fled, Argyle said.

A police officer started chasing the man's vehicle, which crashed into a fence at 4000 West.

Police arrested the man and said they confiscated a pistol, OxyContin and Percocet.

Police believe the man was responsible for robberies at the Wynnsong Theater on Jan. 23; the Edgemont Pharmacy on Feb. 4 and the Rock Canyon Pharmacy on Feb. 14.

He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of armed robbery, theft and drug-related crimes.