News

Arrest Made in Armed Robberies of Local Pharmacies

FRESNO - On January 15, 2018, at approximately 7:30 am, an African American male attempted to break into the rear metal security door of the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy located at 219 East Olive Avenue.  He was wearing a red jacket, bald, heavyset, and looking into the camera just prior to removing it from the outside of the business.  His image was captured on video.

Later that morning, at approximately 11:14 am, the same suspect went to the Vista Pharmacy, located at 4233 E. Tulare St.  He walked behind the counter and was confronted by the pharmacy technician who told him he wasn’t allowed there and that he needed to leave.  The suspect took several bottles of promethazine from the shelves and forcefully pushed the technician to the ground causing her to strike her head and sustain major injuries.  The suspect fled out the door and was seen leaving the area in a dark colored vehicle.

On the same day at approximately 12:44 pm, the same suspect walked into the Medicine Shoppe at 2484 E. Gettysburg, made his way behind the counter, and committed a second robbery.  This subject had gloves on and was carrying a small pair of scissors in his hand as he asked where the “Norco” was.  The suspect located Promethazine bottles and took them from the shelf.

The Fresno Police's investigation revealed that the suspect in both robberies and the attempt burglary was the nephew of disgraced former Fresno Police Deputy Chief Keith Foster, Irwin Foster (51).  Video surveillance evidence also confirmed his identity. On January 18, 2018, Foster was taken into custody at his residence by the Fresno Police Street Violence Bureau Tac Team.  He was booked for two counts of Robbery and one count of Attempt Burglary.

Anyone with additional information on this suspect involved in this case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.