Man With Box Cutter Tries To Rob Local Pharmacy: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — A man was arrested after attempting to rob a Riverhead pharmacy Tuesday morning, police said.

According to Riverhead Town Police, the incident took place at 10:28 a.m. when authorities received a panic alarm reporting an attempted robbery at Barth's Drug Store on East Main Street.

Vito Piazza, 31, of Riverhead, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree attempted robbery, police said.

Piazza, who was wearing a mask, reportedly entered the pharmacy, displayed a box cutter and another sharp object and demanded prescription drugs; when police arrived, he was still inside the store, authorities said.

Piazza was approached by a police officer and fled with no proceeds from the attempted robbery, authorities said. After a short foot pursuit, he was apprehended, police said.

Piazza was placed into custody, transported to Riverhead police headquarters, processed, and held for arraignment, police said.