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Lakeside Man Accused of Holding Pharmacist at Gunpoint

Thomas Devine pleaded not guilty to a felony charge on Nov. 9

By Justin Franz

A 76-year-old Lakeside man has been accused of assault with a weapon after allegedly holding a pharmacist at gunpoint last month.

Thomas Devine pleaded not guilty to a felony charge on Nov. 9 in Flathead County District Court. He will stand trial in 2018.

According to court records, a Lakeside pharmacist called law enforcement on Oct. 20 to report an altercation with Devine. The victim reported that he had just driven to work and was standing outside his car when Devine pulled up. Devine got out of his car and walked toward the pharmacist. The pharmacist said hello and asked how Devine was doing. Devine allegedly told the man to “get in the [explicative] truck.” Confused, the man followed the order.

Once inside the truck Devine allegedly produced a brown paper bag with a loaded gun in it. Devine told the pharmacist that he needed a prescription filled out. The pharmacist said he could not do that without a doctor’s permission. Devine allegedly got angry and started yelling vulgarities. Devine said that doctors would not help him with his “pain.”

The pharmacist eventually was able to leave the vehicle and call law enforcement. Sheriff’s detectives contacted Devine who reportedly said that he had not slept in several days and was in extreme pain. Devine said that he was having trouble with the local VA clinic in getting his prescriptions filled out and was “desperate.”

If convicted, Devine could face up to 20 years in prison and be fined $50,000.