Pharmacy Robber Sought

Tuesday, May 15th 2007, 7:45 pm

By: News On 6

The search continues for a man who attacked two people at a Rogers County pharmacy. The victims are still in the hospital Tuesday, and the suspect is still not in custody, and that has many folks in Chelsea on edge. The two victims were well-known and well-liked. One lady called it a traumatic event, and the News On 6â€™s Ashli Sims reports the bright, yellow crime scene tape roping off the Chelsea Family Pharmacy just highlights the fear many felt, when they heard the news.

"You don't expect that to happen to someone you know, let alone in your hometown," said Zack Reeves, a classmate of victim Channing Stephenson.

Reeves graduated with 19-year-old Stephenson, a former Chelsea cheerleader. Stephenson was working in the pharmacy with Chad Jones, when police say a gunman came in demanding prescription painkillers. Police say the two complied, but they were still attacked with a hammer. Reeves says word spread quickly around town. Early on, many believed the worst.

"My mom called me and she had heard that she had been shot and wasn't going to make it," said Reeves.

Early rumors turned out to be wrong. Stephenson and Jones were not shot, but badly beaten with a hammer. Both were taken by life flight to the hospital. At last check Jones was in good condition. Reeves says Stephenson is now in intensive care with a head injury that required surgery, but there was some good news.

"She was able to recognize the people around her and she was able to identify the attacker," said Reeves.

Several Chelsea residents say Jones hadn't been there very long, but the town had fallen in love with him. One lady said Jones went out of his way to help her find a bargain on her expensive prescription drugs.

Chelsea Police are looking for 31-year-old Steven Pierce of Claremore. Police say he has previous arrests for embezzlement. Itâ€™s believed he left the pharmacy in a silver late 90's model Honda Civic, or possibly a white Dodge Neon. Anyone who sees Pierce, or has information that could help in the investigation is asked to call the Chelsea Police Department at 918-789-2123, or the Rogers County Sheriffâ€™s Office at 918-342-9700

Related story:

05/14/2007 Robbery Suspect Sought In Hammer Attack