The Feds Have Charged A Pottstown Man In Connection With A Philly Pharmacy Armed Robbery

POTTSTOWN, PA — A local man is now being charged by the federal government in connection with an armed robbery of a Philadelphia pharmacy late last year.

Patrick Harrison, 39, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, was recently arrested and charged by indictment with Hobbs Act robbery; carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Authorities allege that Harrison was the man who committed an armed robbery of a Rite-Aid store at 5040 City Avenue in West Philadelphia this past November.

Prosecutors say that Harrison brandished a firearm and demanded money from store employees, and then fled after stealing approximately $600, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

"As alleged, this defendant waved a loaded gun in the faces of Rite-Aid employees simply doing their jobs and got away with $600," U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said in a statement. "Law enforcement experts have said that the majority of violent crimes committed in and around Philadelphia are perpetuated by a small number of brazen criminals."

Williams said this case is part of her office's "All Hands On Deck" initiative aimed at investigating and prosecuting repeat violent offenders.

Being a felon in possession of a firearm is a federal offense.