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Posted: September 16, 2009

Soldier arrested, another sought in Lillington robbery

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Lillington, N.C. — Lillington police have one suspect in custody and are seeking a second in the July armed robbery of McPhail’s Pharmacy.

Joseph Parker McClees, 24, was arrested on Tuesday, Lillington Police Chief Frank Powers said. Ryan Terrell Early is still at large. Powers said Early may be making his way to his hometown of Pittsburgh. Both men are soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg.

Police said the pair forced pharmacy employees to the floor at gunpoint, then filled a backpack with about $8,000 worth of prescription painkillers OxyContin and Percocet. No money was stolen and no one was injured.

The robbery was caught on surveillance video.

Reporter: Bryan Mims
Web Editor: Jodi Leese Glusco

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6 Comments

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Yes, but the mental attitude of soldiers has been for years, not to get treatment that makes them look weak for fear of losing their position, etc. It is improving, but it is still very instilled in many soldiers.

I do agree they are criminals and should be punished. But they should also get the treatment they very obviously need.

Kelondris
September 16, 2009 12:18 p.m.

THEY are normal criminals! They could get help at their aid stations or through the medical clinics via correct channels, just have to ask for help! Trauma from being deployed.. OMG, do you know how much screening and assistance is available!! Evidently you don't! ANY type treatment is available just have to seek it out or ask for help.

Baseball dude
September 16, 2009 12:09 p.m.

I'm willing to bet these solders are back from being deployed and they are addicted to these due to injuries suffered or they think this is helping them deal with something (like trauma from being deployed). They are not normal criminals, they need help!

Kelondris
September 16, 2009 11:53 a.m.

I'll never understand why people like Oxycontin so much. I've taken it plenty of times (legally) and it never made me feel so "good" that I felt the need to have more.