Published: August 20, 2008 09:19 am      

Pharmacy robbery suspect held on $250,000 bond

Authorities find loaded sawed-off shotgun in vicinity of traffic stop

OAKLAND — A shotgun-wielding suspect who allegedly robbed the Beachy Pharmacy in Grantsville late Monday morning remained jailed Tuesday at the Garrett County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.

Michael James Lefevre, 40, of Oakland was charged with armed robbery, two counts each of first-degree and second-degree assault, possession of an unregistered rifle or shotgun, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance following his arrest by Garrett County Sheriff Gary Berkebile on state Route 495 near the Casselman Lumber Co., according to the sheriff’s office.

Lefevre’s bail was set initially at $250,000 and kept at that amount following review by a district court judge Tuesday.

The sheriff made the arrest a few miles from the scene of the robbery without incident and with the assistance of a Maryland state trooper who was in the area at the time.

Berkebile happened to be in Grantsville when two victims came out of the pharmacy, advised him of the incident and then provided a detailed description of the suspect vehicle along with direction of travel.

Within seconds, Berkebile located the suspect vehicle and made the arrest.

The loaded sawed-off shotgun that was allegedly used by Lefevre during the 11:15 a.m. incident was recovered in the area of the traffic stop later in the day.

Police impounded the Jeep Cherokee that was being operated by Lefevre. A mask reportedly worn by Lefevre was recovered from the vehicle, which was being further processed for evidence.

There were no injuries in the incident in which Lefevre allegedly stole prescription drugs from the pharmacy located at 149 Main St.