PORTLAND -- He’s been dubbed the "Oxybandit," and police said the serial oxycontin robber has left a trail of robbery victims at pharmacies from Newberg to Southeast Portland.
Police said over the last month, the Oxybandit has robbed robbed they Safeway pharmacy on SW Barbur Boulevard three times. They believe the same suspect also robbed the Walgreens pharmacy on Portland Road in Newberg, twice, and attempted to rob a Bi-Mart pharmacy in Southeast Portland.
David Corse manages the crises line at Oregon Partnership. He said prescription drug addiction is the second most common reason people call, behind alcohol.
"Opiates are so good at alleviating physical and emotional pain," said Corse, "But withdrawing from them is also an intense physically and emotionally painful experience."
Police don't know if the Oxybandit is using the drugs or selling them. Drug experts said oxycontin has a street value of about $40.00 a pill, and Corse said these days, doctors are more careful about who they're prescribing it to.
"(Doctors) are making sure (the patient) is actually using the drugs for legitimate needs and for that reason, there might be more motivation for people to go out and steal the drugs in order to sell them," said Corse.
The Oxybandit was described as a white man, 5' 8" to 5' 10", weighing around 200 pounds with graying hair and a gray stubbly beard.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the Oxybandit's arrest. Their tip line is 503-823-HELP.
