Wheaton CVS Pharmacy Robber Arrested: Police

WHEATON, MD — A man who allegedly helped himself to a bag full of hair-care products without paying, and then threatened to harm the CVS employee who tried to stop him, has been arrested after he was recognized from surveillance video, authorities say.

Montgomery County Police have charged Derrick Austin Bacon, 41, of the 3400 block of Castleleigh Road in Beltsville, for the July 24 robbery of the CVS Pharmacy at 12209 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton.

About 10 a.m. on July 24, the suspect entered the CVS pharmacy carrying a duffle bag and went to the store’s hair-care products display. A store employee reportedly saw Bacon stuff hair coloring and shampoo products inside his duffel bag.

When the employee attempted to stop the shoplifter from leaving the store with the stolen merchandise, the suspect threatened to harm the employee, police say. The suspect was last seen fleeing on foot on Veirs Mill Road.

Investigators posted a surveillance video of the suspect on Sept. 8 and asked for the public’s help in identifying him. A Montgomery County Police officer recognized Bacon and identified him as the suspect in the video. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Bacon and arrested him at his home on Oct. 27.

Bacon was taken to the Central Processing Unit, where he was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, and theft. Bacon was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police at 240-773-5070.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.
»Image of Derrick Bacon, courtesy of Montgomery County Police