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Sean Janas, 35, was being held in the Passaic County Jail following his arrest Sunday night.
Janas entered the Best Health Pharmacy on Broadway at 1:40 p.m. Sunday and walked out after finding the phamacist helping a customer, Police Chief Michael Foligno said Tuesday.
He returned a short time later and "engaged her in conversation regarding over-the-counter medication, then walked behind the counter area brandishing the knife," Foligno said.
"He told her, 'Give me cash. I dont want to hurt you,' so the pharmacist emptied out the register," he said.
He also "said that he has a drug problem," the chief said.
Elmwood Park detectives produced a still surveillance photo that they distributed to area police agencies, along with a description of the van.
Around 11 p.m. Sunday, Paterson police spotted the Odyssey and tried to pull over the driver.
Janas kept going, with police in pursuit, before he crashed the van, bailed out and tried to run, Foligno said.
Police quickly caught him, the chief said.
Paterson police charged him with eluding, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.
Elmwood Park police charged him with armed robbery, theft and various weapons offenses. A detainer was issued should he make bail in Passaic County, with $100,000 bail attached.
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