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                                                                  Payne

The man suspected of robbing the Kroger Pharmacy on Highway 66 in Sevierville on Sunday, August 19,  was apprehended by police in Bristol, Virginia Tuesday, August 22.

 According to Sevierville Police Department  Detective Sergeant Doug Shanks, a man identified as 38-year old Robert A. Payne allegedly walked into the Kroger store at about 6:40PM on August 19 and handed a pharmacy technician a note demanding prescription pain medication. Payne was reportedly holding a box cutter in his hand at the time.

 The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of prescription pain pills and left the store on foot. No injuries were reported.

  Police were able to identify Mr. Payne as the suspect through store security video and other evidence left at the scene. Detective Shanks subsequently charged Payne with aggravated robbery and contacted the Bristol Police Department, who also reportedly had at least one outstanding warrant for Payne. SPD has requested extradition of Payne to Sevierville. The investigation is ongoing.