Investigators search for burglary suspects in Okolona

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A couple of law enforcement agencies are investigating after police said two men got away with prescription pills after breaking in pharmacy.

Okolona police said the break happened between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The question that remains – who is responsible?

Shattered glass is still on the ground outside Okolona Pharmacy.

Okolona Police commander Rahn Giddens said two men broke the glass window and went inside.

“We know that there were at least two suspects who entered the building and took a substantial amount of prescription medication,” said Giddens.

While patrolling the area, police spotted something odd at the old football field just down the road from the pharmacy.

“We observed a vehicle that was abandoned and it was running,” said Giddens.

That vehicle, police say, was reported stolen in Lee County.

Once officers looked inside, there was evidence connecting the car to the break-in.

Police hope surveillance video helps them close in on the thieves.

“We’ve got a substantial amount of video to cover ,so right now we’re still looking into that right now,” said Giddens.

Pharmacy break-ins aren’t uncommon.

Joel Patterson with Curries Family Care Pharmacy in Aberdeen knows first hand the damage that can be done.

“Someone threw a brick through the door, of course. We’ve been open since around 2000 and that’s the only time we’ve been broken into,” said Patterson.

Luckily, Patterson said nothing too expensive was taken from the pharmacy.

“They didn’t really know what they were doing when they got in here. A lot of people don’t know what they’re doing when they get in here, other than they want to break into a pharmacy,” said Patterson.

Patterson said there are a few things that pharmacies can do to help deter potential burglars.

“Security cameras. A lot of pharmacies use those. Safes, to keep your drugs away from prying hands,” said Patterson.

It’s also a good idea to make it look like someone may be inside at all times.

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics is assisting with the investigation in Okolona.