Robbery Suspect Told Pharmacist 'I Have AIDS, I Will Stick You'

The Pittsburgh Police robbery squad is hoping someone recognizes the surveillance photo taken of a man who robbed a Rite Aid Pharmacy in Shadyside.

Investigators said the man, described as a white male in his 30s, walked into the Walnut Street pharmacy, held up the syringe and said, "I have AIDS and I will stick you with this. Give me your Oxy 80s."

This tactic has been used recently in other local pharmacy robberies. "Whether or not it was true that that was in there, it's weird. The fact it happened in the middle of the day, that's bold," said Natalia Kaniasty.

The pharmacist reported to police that the man pointed the syringe at her and directed her to walk over to the safe.

When the pharmacist opened the safe, police said, the man reached into the safe and took an undisclosed amount of Oxycodone.

The man fled the scene on foot.

Police released a photo of the suspect, who can be seen wearing a black nylon jacket with white stripes along the sleeves. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Robbery Squad at (412) 323-7151.

Previous Stories: July 20, 2009: Robber Uses Syringe To Hold Up Westmoreland Co. Businesses June 17, 2009: Police: Robber Threatened Shadyside Clerk With HIV Infected Needle