Salem police seek information after Lease Drug break-in

$5,000 in drugs stolen

SALEM -- Investigators are looking for information regarding a break-in at Lease Drug late Monday night which resulted in the theft of $5,000 worth of drugs.

According to Salem Police Chief J.T. Panezott, the street value of the drugs will be much higher, noting that the same amount of a drug valued at $1,486 from the pharmacy will yield $4,200 for the same measured amount on the street.

"There were controlled substances taken," he said, although he wouldn't say what kind.

Police received a call at 11:23 p.m. from an alarm company for an alarm at the drug store located at 229 N. Ellsworth Ave. The police response time was 12 seconds after being dispatched to the scene.

A door on the north side of the building was found open and officers made entry into the building to check it out. Panezott said officers "found prescription bottles on the floor. Obviously someone had been in there."

No one was found inside. K-9 Simon attempted to track the suspect, but officers were unable to locate the person.

Detective Brad Davis responded to the scene and processed it, with officers canvassing the area in the morning for video evidence.

"They recovered a piece of evidence we believe was dropped by the suspect," Panezott said.

Davis wouldn't elaborate on the nature of the evidence or where it was found. He said the drugs stolen were from the store's supply, not from customer orders. No incidents were reported at other drug stores in the area.

The Salem officer assigned to the Columbiana County Drug Task Force is also assisting in the investigation.

Police released a rough video surveillance photo of the alleged suspect dressed all in black and carrying a bag and running.

"Hopefully we can get some information on it," the chief said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the person in the photo should contact police at 330-337-7811.

mgreier@salemnews.net