SOUTHWICK – The man police suspect was involved in the Dec. 31 robbery of the Pride gas station and convenience store has turned himself in and is awaiting a court summons.
Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi said the man has not been arrested and could not give the details until he has his day in court but Ricardi did confirm drugs were involved.
“Surprise, surprise: he is addicted to heroin,” said Ricardi. “He was looking for money to buy drugs and thought that would be an easy way to get it.”
Ricardi said small towns like Southwick are not immune to the heroin addiction epidemic plaguing the country.
“It is in every community,” he said.
Ricardi said a small envelope of heroin can cost as little as $3 but some addicts may need 20 or 30 bags of heroin to get through their day.
“They wake up every morning with that monkey on their back and if they have a habit that cost $500, they need $500 every day to get through the day,” Ricardi said. “Most people do not have that kind of money in their bank accounts, so they turn to robbery.”
Ricardi said the photo of the man was shared on social media and people who knew him reached out, hoping to get him help.
“People are asking for help for their families,” Ricardi said.
It used to be that a family member with a drug addiction was hidden, said Ricardi. Families kept quiet. Now, Ricardi said people are often vocal in the hope of getting help for their loved ones.
Ricardi said heroin is a dangerous drug.
“Once you get started, you’re addicted,” he said.
