Sheriff’s Office seeking suspects in Vernon pharmacy break-in

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a break-in that happened at a Vernon pharmacy.

WCSO reports dispatch received a call from a concerned citizen shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, advising Vernon Discount Drugs, 3248 Main Street Vernon, was broken into. The caller stated two suspects were exiting the store and getting into a dark colored car.  The car left the scene traveling north on Dawkins Street.

Suspect 1 is described as a Black male with dreads, approximately 5’10’’ to 6’1’’, weighing about 140-170 lbs. Video footage shows that this suspect exited driver’s seat and acquired a 16’’ cement block and walked to the front door. The block was thrown into the window and entry was gained into the pharmacy.  

Suspect 2 is described as a male of unknown race, approximately 6’ to 6’2’’, weighing about 180-200 lbs. Video shows that this suspect exited the passenger side rear and followed the first suspect, at which time both men entered the building through the bottom door frame and ran to the rear of the store to behind the counter.  

The subjects were in and out of the store in approximately 40 seconds, exiting the store and returning to their vehicle with an undisclosed amount of controlled substances. The vehicle then departed and traveled south on Dawkins Street. 

Danny Paul, son of the long-time pharmacist Jack Paul, says he is struggling with knowing his father’s business was violated after so many years of providing help and support to the community.

“This breaks my heart,” said Danny Paul in a social media post. “This man, my father, has put in over 50 years as a pharmacist and would do anything for anyone in the community … I hate to see his work get disrespected and violated. I just hate a thief, but I have had my heart warmed by the support and concern of the community.”

Paul told the Washington County News on Friday that he appreciates the work and ongoing investigation efforts by WCSO.

“The WCSO has been amazing, and they are doing all they can to gather information and track these thieves down,” he said.

Sheriff Kevin Crews asks that anyone with information on this crime contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 850-638-6111. Tips may be given anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by emailing at [email protected]