Armed Pharmacist Returns Fire Against 2 Armed Robbers In North Carolina

LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — An attempted robbery took a dangerous turn when shots were fired inside a local pharmacy on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, two suspects have been apprehended and arrested.

According to reports, the incident unfolded around 2 p.m. when two masked men entered the Lexington Family Pharmacy with the intention to rob it. In a swift act of self-defense, the pharmacy manager, Steve Koontz, who legally carries a firearm, returned fire after being grazed by a bullet.

Koontz recounted the harrowing moment when he noticed a tall, masked individual pointing a gun at one of his cashiers and demanding everyone’s compliance. Reacting instinctively, Koontz fired back, causing the suspects to flee the scene. However, the confrontation didn’t end there, as gunfire was exchanged once again between Koontz and the fleeing perpetrators outside the pharmacy.

Thanks to Koontz’s quick thinking and courage, all five employees present were unharmed. The police response was commendable, with a substantial number of officers arriving within a minute. The pharmacy handed over surveillance footage to aid the investigation.

The suspects were subsequently apprehended in Salisbury and identified as Marcelleus Robinson, 31, and Bryson Moss, 22. They now face charges including attempted armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Meanwhile, the pharmacy remains closed for the day to allow the staff to recover from the ordeal.