GILFORD – A local man was arrested Sunday an hour after he allegedly robbed a pharmacy at a supermarket of $18,000 worth of medication, threatening the pharmacist with a weapon, police said.

Police Lt. James Leach said, Michael Lewis, 40, of 131 Lake St., entered the Osco Pharmacy in the Gilford Shaw's supermarket at 12:57 p.m. and allegedly handed the pharmacist a note.

The note stated he wanted narcotic painkillers and that he had a weapon, Leach said,

“He never showed a weapon,” he said.

The pharmacist gave him medication, though police would not say what type he was given.

“An undisclosed amount of medication was taken but an estimate using current street value, if sold separately, would be more than $18,000,” Leach said.

An hour later, Gilford and Laconia police took Leach into custody without incident near his home, Leach said.

Leach said Lewis was not known to police for any past criminal activity, and had no criminal record.

Lewis is being charged with robbery, a Class A felony. He refused bail and is being held at the Belknap County Jail pending his arraignment Monday.

dseufert@newstote.com