Pharmacist Protects Store from Knife-Wielding Robber

Article

Kentucky pharmacist Larry Fortenberry had always imagined what he would do in a robbery situation, and he believed that passive, obedient behavior would be the safest bet.

Kentucky pharmacist Larry Fortenberry had always imagined what he would do in a robbery situation, and he believed that passive, obedient behavior would be the safest bet.

However, on January 21, 2015, Fortenberry reacted in a very different way than he had anticipated.

Just before closing time, Fortenberry found himself fighting off an attempted robber instead of preparing to head home, according to UPI.

The man had entered Pikeville Discount Drugs in Pikeville, Kentucky, wearing a black beanie, gloves, and a gray sweatshirt. Fortenberry told UPI that the man looked “normal enough.”

Surveillance video shows the man walking toward Fortenberry and pulling out a knife. Fortenberry dashed behind a corner, with the robber following him out of view. A second later, Fortenberry and the robber come back into view, with the pharmacist in control and pushing the man into a counter.

“Whether it be the adrenaline kick, or whatever—the grace of God, angels supporting me, I have no idea,” Fortenberry told WSAZ. “But I got really mad and really angry.”

The pharmacist subdued the man and managed to shove the would-be robber out the door. WSAZ reported that the suspect headed toward a river near the pharmacy. Pikeville police are still seeking information about the robber.

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