Woman tackled during Independence pharmacy robbery pleads guilty
A 23-year-old woman tackled to the floor by an employee while trying to rob an Independence pharmacy pleaded guilty Friday in federal court.
Melinda Backhus and a co-defendant, Julian R. King, 22, were arrested June 29 during the attempted robbery of a Walgreens at 39th Street and Noland Road.
They were charged in federal court in Kansas City with conspiracy to commit robbery.
According to court documents, two people wearing masks stormed the pharmacy and demanded oxycodone.
The pharmacist turned and ran as the male robber chased her. Another employee tackled Backhus, who bit him in an attempt to get away, according to the documents.
An employee also allegedly tackled King, whose criminal case is pending.
Backhus will be sentenced at a later date.
Tony Rizzo: 816-234-4435, @trizzkc
This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Woman tackled during Independence pharmacy robbery pleads guilty."