Walgreens pharmacy robbery suspect steps before a judge

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Chaos erupted inside a Daytona Beach Walgreens when a man rushed through the doors, armed with a rifle, and headed for the pharmacy.

Police say the man, identified at Louis Curler, 40, jumped the pharmacy counter and demanded money and drugs. This unfolded just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, at the store at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Ridgewood Avenue.

"Upon arrival, we responded directly to the pharmacy where we located a male armed with a rifle," said Deputy Chief Jakari Young, of the Daytona Beach Police Department.

When police cornered the suspect, they say he was getting his fix mid-robbery. "He was crouched down. He appeared to be shooting up some type of narcotic," Young said.

That is when officers demanded to see the Curler's hands. "He pops up with the rifle and he runs to the direction of innocent employees, at which time, one of my officers fires at him," Young said.

Curler was struck once in the back, according to police. He is now in custody, but was first taken to the hospital for treatment. 

Young says the situation could have ended much worse. "By the grace of God, not one innocent employee, not one patron, or one police officer, was injured today," he said.

Police say Curler did not fire any shots during the ordeal, but he was armed with two fully-loaded magazines.

The suspect in the armed robbery of Walgreens in Daytona Beach appeared in court for his first appearance. Louis Curler, 41 went before a judge Wednesday.

He is charged with three first degree felonies, two for holding ransom of an adult and robbery with a firearm. Curler is being held without bond.