Police investigate pharmaceutical robbery, abduction

An early Friday morning robbery and abduction of a pharmaceutical courier is now being investigated by the Hoover Police Department. Three suspects using a flashing red and blue light and posing as police officers pulled over the delivery van on Interstate 65 southbound just south of Alford Avenue.

The 67-year-old victim was then abducted by two of the males, who were armed with handguns. The third suspect was the driver of the vehicle that pulled the victim over, and he fled the scene in the same car. The two suspects who forced their way inside the delivery van then drove the victim to the 800 block of Dennison Avenue in Birmingham, where they released him. He was able to call police after walking to a nearby McDonald’s restaurant.

The stolen van was found burning a short time later in the 400 block of Overlook Drive in Midfield. A large amount of prescription and over-the-counter drugs were taken. Detectives believe the victim may have been followed from the Oxmoor Court area in Homewood, onto Lakeshore Parkway and then Interstate 65. The suspect vehicle is possibly a black or dark blue, older model Ford Crown Victoria. The suspect who first approached the victim was a black male in his 20’s, approximately 6 feet tall and was described as very muscular.

He was wearing a skull cap and a dark T-shirt with “Police” printed on the front. He also wore thick framed glasses. The second suspect was a black male, possibly in his 20’s, who had his face covered with a bandana. There is currently no description available on the third suspect, who was the driver of their vehicle.

Detectives believe it is likely these individuals live in or have connections to the Birmingham or Hoover Metro area. They appeared to be familiar with Homewood, Hoover, Birmingham and Midfield. Police need the public’s help in identifying these suspects. Someone may know individuals who fit this description, drive a similar vehicle and who recently came into possession of a large amount of prescription drugs.

Anyone with information about this case should call Detective Daniel Lowe at 739-6762.  If you wish to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward you may contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 254-7777. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5000.00, for information that solves crimes and leads to the offenders being charged or arrested.