Armed Robbery Suspect Shot By Police At Blackwood CVS: Prosecutor

BLACKWOOD, NJ — A 65-year-old Blackwood man has been charged with armed robbery after police shot him multiple times during a confrontation inside a Gloucester Township CVS on Friday, authorities announced.

Michael Dougherty remains hospitalized at Cooper University Hospital following the shooting, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay and Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse.

Subscribe

Around 4:15 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a reported robbery at the CVS at 701 College Drive. When an officer entered the pharmacy, he encountered Dougherty, who was armed and actively carrying out a robbery, prosecutors said.

Dougherty pointed a gun at the officer, who retreated to safety, drew his service weapon and repeatedly ordered Dougherty to drop his gun, according to investigators.

Prosecutors said Dougherty then advanced toward the officer, who opened fire and struck him multiple times.

A second officer helped take Dougherty into custody and provide medical assistance before taking him to Cooper University Hospital for emergency treatment.

Authorities said no other injuries were reported during the incident.

Investigators recovered two guns, including one found next to Dougherty and another found on his person, according to prosecutors.

Dougherty faces one count of first-degree armed robbery, two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one count of third-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer.

The shooting prompted a large police response at the pharmacy Friday afternoon. Patch previously reported that crime scene tape surrounded part of the store's entrance as investigators responded.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating the robbery. Its Special Prosecutions Unit is investigating the police-involved shooting with guidance from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Ryan Colone at 856-580-5942 or Detective Shane Gilson at 856-225-8563. You can also submit anonymous tips at CAMDEN.TIPS.