PINEVILLE, W.Va. – Southern West Virginia’s prescription pill abuse problem went to the next level Wednesday when an addict took a pharmacy employee hostage demanding pain pills.
Vickie Acord, 40, of Jesse, walked into Charlie’s Pharmacy in Pineville Wednesday afternoon brandishing a weapon and demanding the staff hand over prescription pain medication.
First Sgt. Mike Baylous, with the West Virginia State Police, said troopers and Wyoming County sheriff’s deputies responded to the call.
“By the time they were able to get there, the lady had taken one of the employees hostage and moved into a back room,” Baylous explained Thursday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Law enforcement officers were able to make contact with Accord inside the pharmacy.
“Fortunately, after about two hours, she decided to walk out of the room and turn herself over to law enforcement,” said Baylous. “She was arrested for kidnapping and armed robbery.”
Acord was taken to the Southern Regional Jail.
Baylous said this crime is another example of how desperate addicts are to obtain prescription pills.
“It’s really sad that somebody would do something like this just to fuel their addiction.”