PONTIAC (WWJ) – Three Oakland County teens have been charged after allegedly jumping the counter at a drug store and stealing over $1,000 worth of cough syrup.
Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Baldwin Avenue around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday after getting a 911 call reporting three juveniles had robbed the store.
The suspects – ages 14, 15 and 16 – were each charged Wednesday with one count of armed robbery, while the 16-year-old is facing additional charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The teens, including the 16-year-old armed with a handgun, jumped over the counter and took multiple bottles of prescription cough medicine, then ran out of the store.
They were arrested a short time later after deputies searched the area. The handgun, a 9 mm revolver, was found in the backpack the 16-year-old was carrying, along with the cough syrup.
Two of the teens confessed to their part in the robbery, while the third refused to talk to detectives, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspects are being held at Oakland County Children’s Village. A new hearing date has not been set.
“Violent crime will not be tolerated, regardless of the age of the perpetrator,” Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in a press release. “Age and crime-appropriate charges will be vigorously sought. We must hold to account anyone that illegally carries or illegally uses a firearm, especially in the furtherance of other crimes.”