AUGUSTA — A brief standoff between police and a man who reportedly robbed a city pharmacy and then barricaded himself in the bathroom ended peacefully Tuesday.

The attempted robbery resulted in the Rite Aid, at 2007 North Belfast Ave., being evacuated, after the man said he had an explosive device, police said.

“He indicated he had chemicals and would blow the place up,” said Augusta Police Lt. Christopher Massey.

But the 19-year-old had no such device and he was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta to receive medical clearance before being criminally charged, according to Massey.

Massey withheld the man’s name until the charges were filed, which was expected to happen later Tuesday night.

Massey said nobody was injured in the ensuing standoff.

The robbery was reported about 5 p.m. The man, who did not have a weapon, demanded prescription medication.

He was given drugs and then ran into the store’s bathroom and barricaded himself inside, Massey said.

Augusta police and fire/rescue officials converged on the store, which is at the corner of Bangor Street and North Belfast Avenue. Police evacuated the building’s customers and employees, and they consulted with officers from the Augusta Police Special Response Team and the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Massey said.

Police broke into the bathroom and took the man into custody without incident about 5:30 p.m. Massey said there was no evidence the man possessed any explosive chemicals.

It’s the third time this year the Rite Aid store has been robbed.

Carmine Anthony Fazzi Jr., 19, has been convicted in connection with a robbery there Feb. 20. The Rite Aid was held up May 4, and no charges have been filed in that case.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642
ccrosby@centralmaine.com