SPRINGDALE -- A Walgreens pharmacist was arrested Friday after store surveillance video showed him drinking liquid pain medication while on duty, according to police.
James A. Shook, 64, of 108 Woodridge Lane in Rogers was arrested in connection with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Shook was released Saturday from the Washington County Detention Center after posting a $2,500 bond.
He has a first appearance hearing scheduled for 7:45 a.m. Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court.
An asset protection manager for Walgreens showed Springdale police several videos of Shook ingesting what appeared to be hydrocodone/acetaminophen and Liquid Lortab, according to a preliminary arrest report.
The report listed Shook's place of employment as Walgreens at 3234 E. Robinson Road. Store officials declined to comment.
The manager told police Shook "admitted to everything" and told him he had a drug problem, the report said.
The store is missing more than 1400 milliliters (47 ounces) of liquid medication dating back to December, the report said.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, hydrodocone is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Hydrocodone is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain treatment, the DEA says. It has a treatment effect similar to morphine and in large doses can cause severe liver damage and death, according to the agency.
NW News on 05/29/2016