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Deputies: Homeless man used proceeds from restaurant robbery to buy weed

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Christopher McLain (Credit: LCSO booking photo)

The man accused of robbing a restaurant and attempting to rob a Publix pharmacy last week did so to get drugs and sell them, according to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report.

Christopher McLain, 31, was arrested Thursday after deputies say he tried to rob the pharmacy at Publix at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Hancock Bridge Parkway in North Fort Myers.

McLain, who is listed as homeless, was stopped by good Samaritans after he jumped the counter, brandished a knife and demanded the worker hand over several controlled prescription medications.

The LCSO report states that McLain’s girlfriend was waiting outside while he went in to rob the pharmacy and that he had a list of drugs he wanted in order to sell them.

McLain was then connected to a Wednesday robbery at the Stamatis Family Restaurant at Weaver’s Corner in North Fort Myers, deputies say.

In that robbery, McLain brandished a knife inside the restaurant and demanded money. The worker said she feared for the customers and handed McLain two $20 bills and a stack of $1 bills, for a total of $57. His girlfriend told deputies they used the money to buy marijuana.

McLain is facing two counts of robbery with a weapon and a charge of violation of probation in an unrelated robbery case. He remains in the Lee County Jail.

No injuries were reported at the Publix or at the restaurant.

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