NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA. – A Jeannette man accused of robbing a Walgreens pharmacy for Percocet pointed a cocked revolver toward responding police officers, prompting an officer to open fire in the parking lot Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
Sean Lane, 41, was not struck by the gunfire, and no officers, Walgreens employees or bystanders were injured. Police took Lane into custody and transported him to a local hospital for evaluation following the confrontation near Route 30.
Investigators allege the pharmacy robbery capped several hours of criminal activity in which Lane admitted breaking into a Jeannette home for Oxycontin pills and stealing a revolver from a Penn Borough residence. Lane told investigators he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms related to a drug addiction, according to police.
Key Points
- Sean Lane, 41, is accused of robbing a Walgreens near Norwin Hills Plaza at gunpoint and taking two bottles of Percocet.
- Police say Lane ignored commands outside the store, cocked a revolver and pointed it toward officers before an officer fired several rounds.
- Nobody was injured, and Lane was arrested on robbery, aggravated assault and other charges before being denied bail.
Police Say Walgreens Robbery Ended in Armed Confrontation
North Huntingdon Township Police responded at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday to a reported armed robbery at the Walgreens near Route 30 and Norwin Hills Plaza.
Investigators said Lane entered the store with a gun initially concealed inside a shirt and approached the pharmacy counter demanding Percocet. Lane later told investigators he displayed the handle of the firearm while making the demand.
Surveillance footage showed Lane pointing the gun at three employees during the robbery, according to police. He was given two bottles of Percocet before leaving the store.
Several North Huntingdon Township officers confronted Lane in the parking lot and ordered him to get on the ground. Authorities allege he refused their commands, pulled out the revolver, cocked its hammer and pointed the weapon in the officers’ direction.
A responding officer then fired several rounds toward Lane but did not hit him. No other injuries were reported.
State police said investigators believe Lane was attempting “suicide-by-cop” during the confrontation. The source material did not identify which officer fired or provide additional details about the investigation into the officer’s use of force.
Police Detail Alleged Crime Spree Before Pharmacy Robbery
According to investigators, Lane described two other incidents that allegedly occurred earlier Wednesday.
At about 2 a.m., Lane told police he entered a Jeannette home through a window and stole two Oxycontin pills before leaving. Several hours later, he told state troopers that he stole a revolver from a residence in Penn Borough.
Authorities said the same morning ultimately brought Lane to the Walgreens, where the armed pharmacy robbery unfolded.
Lane faces charges of robbery, terroristic threats, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. He was denied bail, according to the police account.
The charges are accusations. Lane is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Was anyone injured when police opened fire outside the Walgreens?
No. Police said Lane was not struck by the officer’s gunfire and no officers, employees or bystanders were injured.
What is Sean Lane accused of taking from the Walgreens?
Police allege Lane demanded Percocet while armed with a revolver and left the pharmacy with two bottles of the medication.
What charges does Sean Lane face?
Lane is charged with robbery, terroristic threats, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. Police said he was denied bail.
Sources: North Huntingdon Township Police incident report and public statement; Pennsylvania State Police investigative information cited in the police account.
