Police investigate 2 attempted pharmacy robberies

Police in Beloit and Madison are investigating attempted robberies at Walgreens pharmacies that authorities believe are connected.

Beloit Police officers responded shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday to the Walgreens pharmacy at 1531 Madison Rd. for an attempted theft.

A man presented a note to a Walgreens employee requesting a quantity of OxyContin and oxycodone, and the employee notified the pharmacist, according to a Beloit Police Department news release.

While the pharmacist was calling for police assistance, the man left the store without obtaining any product, police said.

The man fled the area in a vehicle that had been parked near the J & S Pet Store.

This vehicle is described as a dark-colored, possibly black, full-size pickup truck, with a silver tool box in the bed behind the cab, police said.

Beloit police said the would-be robber is described as a white man, standing 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall with a medium build.

He was wearing a forest green winter parka with the hood pulled up tight, making it difficult to see his face, police said.

The man did not display a weapon or threaten force. There were no physical injuries.

Beloit police said the description and man's actions are very similar to other thefts/robberies that have occurred recently at Madison-area and Janesville Walgreens stores.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the Beloit Police Department, 364-6801, or Beloit Area Crime Stoppers, 362-7463. People may also text information to 274637 then type BACS + their message. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.

In Madison, police said a man attempted to rob the Walgreens pharmacy at 4518 Cottage Grove Road just after 6 p.m. Thursday.

Police said the man presented a note demanding OxyContin and the pharmacist refused.

No weapon was seen, and the man fled on foot, according to a Madison Police Department incident report.

Madison police believe the would-be robber is the same man who has been involved in a series of pharmacy robberies throughout southern Wisconsin.

Madison police said the robber is described as a white man in his 20s to 30s standing about 5 feet 11 inches tall with a "chubby" build and a moustache. He was wearing a blue/black jacket with the hood pulled up and dirty jeans, police said.

Madison police said anyone with any information on the man's identity should call Crimestoppers at 608-266-6014. Callers could be eligible for a cash reward.