Police: Gunman Gets Pills, Surrenders in Restroom of Largo Walgreens

An armed gunman took pills from a Walgreens pharmacy and had to be talked out of the store's restroom by Largo Police, authorities said Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as Christopher Michael Degrande, 27, was armed with a gun and obtained a bottle of pills from the pharmacy at 2295 E. Bay Dr., according to police. He also had with him "what looked like a soda bottle full of gasoline" and proceeded to the restroom, where he remained as officers arrived on scene, according to Lt. Edward Sohoski.

Officers established a dialogue with Degrande, who remained in the restroom for about 35 minutes before surrendering without further incident, Sohoski said in a media release.

Degrande is charged with planting a hoax bomb and trafficking in a controlled substance.