Visalia Walgreens customer pistol-whipped during robbery
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Police swarmed the northwest Visalia Walgreens after a man was pistol-whipped Wednesday afternoon when he refused to hand over money to a robber, authorities said.
Around 2:15 p.m., officers were called to the popular pharmacy after shoppers initially told dispatchers that the man had been shot and was bleeding inside the store. Officers later learned that the man had been pistol-whipped and no rounds were fired. The victim.stated he was approached by an unknown suspect who produced a firearm and demanded his money, Sgt. Mona Whaley said. The victim refused and the suspect struck the victim on the head with the firearm. The suspect took the victim’s money. and fled prior to officers arriving.
Over the Christmas weekend, Visalia police were patrolling the streets and protecting the public.
In one incident, police are still searching for the suspect and in another case, a parolee is back in jail.
At 2:20 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to Laurel Avenue and Bonnie Street for a report of a robbery.
The victim told police he was walking to his car when a masked man asked him for money. The victim said he didn t recognize the subject and handed over a small amount of cash. The masked man demanded more, Sgt. Mona Whaley said.
When the victim refused, the subject pulled out a firearm from his waistband. The victim gave the man his wallet, which contained more cash.