(MA) Armed pharmacist routs would-be thief 05-06-05
Date: May 9, 2005 4:47 PM
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=81929

Druggist blasts away at pistol-packin’ thief
By O’Ryan Johnson
Friday, May 6, 2005

A gun-toting pharmacist – beloved by paying customers for his friendly
banter – opened fire on an armed OxyContin robber as the two swapped
lead instead of cheery hellos yesterday afternoon.

No one, including two workers and a customer who were in
the store at the time, was injured.

Lawrence Maida Sr.’s pharmacy is just one of dozens hit
in recent years by armed robbers looking for so-called “hillbilly
heroin.?? Cops say Maida?s store has been robbed several times
before, and this is not the first time the second-generation druggist
has used a gun to run off bandits.

Maida is licensed to have the gun, and will not face
charges for the shooting, police said.

“What do you want me to charge him with, being a
victim??? asked one cop.

“These people nowadays will kill you,?? said
Rosemary Maida, who said she can?t recall how many times her husband
has shot at robbers. “I try not to think about it. It?s better than
having someone kill your husband.??

Police said just before 3 p.m. yesterday a robber wearing
a ski mask, ball cap and a hoodie, walked into the Massachusetts Avenue
shop with a gun drawn.

“He came in ready to rob the store,?? Lt. John
Serson said. “He announced that it was a robbery. The owner drew his
gun and between three and four shots were exchanged. The robber left,
without the OxyContin.?? He is believed to have bolted in a black
Cadillac.

Locals Patty Caccararo, 50, and Elaine O’Connor said
Maida’s shop is a throwback to yesteryear, when customer service
counted.

“We fill our ?scripts here,?? O?Connor said
standing near the shop. “He?s always very nice, he says `Hello.? He
lets us know about any interactions (between medications).??

Lawrence Maida Sr.’s pharmacy is just one of dozens hit in recent years
by armed robbers looking for so-called “hillbilly heroin.??