Police: Man bought needles before ripping off pharmacy

Police arrested a man at a local motel after he allegedly stole prescription medication and cash from a Port Jefferson Station pharmacy on Tuesday morning.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Ryan Frische, an East Northport resident, first bought hypodermic needles at the pharmacy counter of the Rite Aid in Jefferson Plaza. He then allegedly made verbal demands and gave the clerk a note that demanded cash as well as “oxy.”

With three bottles of Oxycontin pills and cash, the suspect fled the store on foot, police said.

Officers interviewed witnesses and tracked Frische, 27, to the Americas Best Value Inn on Route 112, arresting him shortly after the incident.

The Elwood Road resident was charged with third-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Attorney information for the defendant was not immediately available. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.