(LAFAYETTE)---Lafayette Parish law enforcement officials have arrested a Lafayette man in connection with a string of pharmacy robberies throughout Acadiana as well as a drug store armed robbery in Slidell, according to the Slidell Police Department.

Slidell Police Capt. Kevin Foltz says that arrest warrants will be issued for 40-year-old Duane Mahne in connection with the armed robbery of a drug store on May 22.

The arrest occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, in Lafayette. Capt. Foltz says that Mahne was taken into custody after a five-hour standoff with Lafayette police in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Calcasieu Parish.

According to Capt. Foltz, Slidell Police detectives spoke with Mahne and he admitted to being addicted to prescription drugs, having committed pharmacy robberies for nearly a year, and having committed the Slidell drug store robbery.

"This case is a prime example of how an addiction to prescription medication can make people do desperate things," said Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan. "I'm just glad no one was hurt in any of the robberies and this guy is off the streets."

Capt. Foltz credits Drug Enforcement Administration agents with help in the case, providing information on similar robberies. Capt. Foltz adds that Mahne is also being questioned concerning robberies in Lake Charles, Welsh, Opelousas, Alexandria, Ville Platte, Sunset, Carencro, Port Barre, Arnaudville, Kaplan, Jeanerette, Eunice, Morgan City, Maurice, Crowley, and Bunkie.

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