Armed robbery at Rangely Pharmacy

RANGELY  I A local teenager who allegedly robbed the Rangely Pharmacy Monday morning was taken into custody later that day, following a brief foot pursuit.
Jeremy Gonzales, 19, is charged with aggravated robbery of a controlled substance from a pharmacy and is being held on $25,000 bond at Rio Blanco County Jail, Rangely Police Lt. Roy Kinney said. Kinney expects criminal charges to be filed soon.
A Rangely Pharmacy employee called 911 at 11:40 a.m. Monday to report that a suspect had stolen controlled substances from the pharmacy office, located in the former Early Education Center (EEC) building at 402 W. Main St. The employee reported that the person had a gun and a knife.
Soon after, a CodeRED notification alert was sent to Rio Blanco County residents, informing them that the pharmacy had been robbed. The message described a 5-foot-6-inch Hispanic male wearing all black and possibly carrying a red Nike duffel bag. Recipients were cautioned not to approach the suspect if seen.
Around noon, the Rangely School District followed the police department’s recommendation that the schools be placed on lockdown, Superintendent Todd Cordrey said. The lockdown lasted until approximately 1:40 p.m.
Rangely police officers responding to the call were assisted by deputies from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses initially reported the suspect had fled on foot, but surveillance video from Blue Mountain Inn and Suites located across the street from the pharmacy, confirmed the suspect escaped by car.
During the investigation, police obtained information about the suspect’s identity and obtained an arrest warrant. Police apprehended Gonzales after chasing him briefly on foot. The law enforcement team conducted a search and found items from the pharmacy.
Kinney said he expects Gonzales in court this week.