Marcus Larson/News-Register##Mac Prescription Shop in downtown was broken into early Sunday morning.

Citizens help police nab drug heist suspect

A group of citizens flagged down police early Sunday to report a break-in in which a cache of Schedule II narcotics were stolen from the Mac Prescription Shop, located at 225 N.E. Third St. in the heart of downtown McMinnville.

Meanwhile, one of them followed the suspect, keeping him in sight so he could be apprehended. Thanks to the citizen assist, officers caught up with him at Cowls and Lincoln, just a few blocks from the crime scene.

Capt. Dennis Marks identified their quarry as Luis Adrian Perez-Vargas, 22.

He said Perez was caught with bulk dispensing bottles of a Schedule II narcotic concealed on his person, and his hands were marked with cuts consistent with the smashing of the pharmacy’s front plate-glass window to gain access. He said the drugs were positively identified as those missing from the shop.

Witnesses said they saw Perez break out the window shortly before 12:45 a.m. Some called 911 while others flagged down a patrol car and one set out on Perez’s trail.

Perez was booked into the Yamhill County Jail on felony charges of unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and second-degree burglary, along with misdemeanor charges of second-degree criminal mischief and violation of probation. He is scheduled for arraignment in Circuit Court.

Marks asked that anyone with potentially relevant information call police at 503-434-7307.