The Duncan Banner

Local News

July 2, 2009

Man arrested in pharmacy robbery

Ron Booth

DUNCAN — Joshua Clifton Johnson, 24, of Cordell was arrested Wednesday by the Cordell Police Department for allegedly robbing the Duncan Walgreens.

Duncan Police Detective John Byers and Capt. Jay Evans responded to a call at 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the local store. Byers said that pharmacists at the store reported that a man demanded Lortabs (hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen), and the pharmacists produced two bottles.

“I got photo captures from the surveillance video and e-mailed them and took them around to area law enforcement agencies,” Byers said. “[Stephens County] Sheriff Reserve Officer Richard Keenan said that he went to school with the suspect.”

Byers said that Johnson was known to be in Cordell, so he contacted the Cordell Police Department. The CPD maintained surveillance on Johnson until Byers was able to get a warrant for Johnson’s arrest.

After the warrant was issued, the Cordell Police Department pulled Johnson over and arrested him on the warrant. At the time of his arrest, Johnson allegedly had a bag of narcotics in his possession. Byers said that his training leads him to believe that the bag contained hydrocodone.

“He’ll have to be arraigned on the charges that they have him on up there,” Byers said. “It’ll be Monday before he gets back here.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to Reserve Deputy Richard Keenan, the Cordell Police Department and the attorney general’s office. They (the AG’s office) had an investigator who had information on Johnson’s whereabouts.”

Johnson faces charges of robbery by force or fear. A conviction on the felony carries a penalty of not less than 10 years.

First Assistant District Attorney Dennis Gay said that all of the law enforcement offices did a good job with the case.

“Duncan Police Department’s Detective John Byers and Capt. Jay Evans did a good job with the case as did the Cordell Police Department,” Gay said. “Reserve Sheriff Deputy Keenan did a good job in identifying him (Johnson). They all did a good job.”

Text Only
Local News
  • Thieves hit two businesses; stolen truck is discovered

    February 7, 2012

  • Heartbeat dancers seniors And the beat goes on ...

    For 27 years, Heartbeat Dance studio has been providing young girls the opportunity to follow their dance aspirations — whatever they may be — thanks to owner Stephanie Gregston.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • DPSF grants spur arts, science interest DPSF grants spur arts, science interest

    While much of the focus at the Duncan Public School Foundation’s Hall of Fame Banquet centers around those being inducted into the hall, the annual gathering is also an opportunity for the DPSF to display one of its key functions.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tackling 'good ol' boy' system

    As a conservative Republican and Assistant Majority Whip in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Corey Holland makes no excuses for remaining true to the values that guide his philosophy and votes.

    February 6, 2012

  • Winter Classic Pig Show Winter Classic Pig Show off to good start

    There was a buzz circulating through the Stephens County Fair & Expo Livestock Pavilion over the weekend, when youth from across the state showed off their swine at the inaugural Winter Classic Pig Show.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • Rain, high temperatures recorded for Friday

    Rain on Friday helped to make the beginning of February wetter than the beginning of January.

    February 6, 2012

  • Spotlight shines at DPSF Banquet

    For the Duncan Public Schools Foundation and the Duncan School District, Thursday was a night of recognition.

    February 5, 2012

  • How high will it go?

    For a week now, motorists have been paying a bit more when they stick the nozzle into their gas tank. That could be the norm over the next few months, when prices at the pump are expected to continue to increase.

    February 5, 2012

  • Sykes to lead Senate Judiciary Committee hearings

    State Sen. Anthony Sykes said Oklahomans will be hearing a lot of talk this year about bond issues and tax credits during the legislative session which opens Monday.

    February 5, 2012

  • Prep skippers Super Bowl XLVI: Bring it on!

    It’s finally arrived, the biggest game of the pro football season, the Super Bowl. With the 46th edition of the NFL showcase comes a rematch from the 2007 game between the AFC Champion New England Patriots and the NFC representative New York Giants.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo