Off-Duty Mooresville Cop Helps Nab Pharmacy Robbery Suspects

MOORESVILLE, NC — Two suspects wanted for an early morning armed robbery of pills from Walgreens in Mooresville were caught thanks in part to an off-duty police officer in the area, according to the Mooresville Police Department.

Around 5 a.m. on Jan. 27, two suspects entered the Walgreens located at 542 River Highway in Mooresville, brandished a handgun and demanded pills, according to a police report. They then fled in a vehicle parked in the area.

When they left, however, they were spotted by an off-duty Mooresville police officer working in the area as they left the drug store’s parking lot.

“The officer attempted to stop the vehicle on Bluefield Road when the suspects attempted to flee,” MPD said.

The suspects’ vehicle crashed about a quarter of a mile from the store after the driver lost control, and the officer arrested one suspect at the accident scene. The second suspect ran from the crash scene on foot, but was caught a short time later near Gallery Center Drive after K-9 search teams from MPD and Iredell Sheriff’s Office were called in, MPD said.

Thomas B. Starnes, 41, of Charlotte, was charged with armed robbery and conspiracy. His secured bond was set at $100,000.

Mark D. Brumley, 34 and also of Charlotte, was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy, and speeding to elude arrest. His bond was also set at $100,000.

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Photos courtesy of the Mooresville Police Department