Man slashes wrists, robs drug store

Columbia County authorities have identified a man they say intentionally cut his wrists while robbing a Martinez pharmacy Wednesday morning and say they need help finding him.

Police said Nathan James Key, 29, entered the Walgreens on Washington Road at Bobby Jones Expressway about 5:30 a.m. and cut his wrists. Armed with a handgun, Mr. Key then approached a pharmacy employee and demanded OxyContin, Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris said. After receiving an undisclosed amount of the pain medication, Mr. Key left, running south near Bobby Jones Expressway, according to police.

The New Ellenton Police Department has active warrants for Mr. Key's arrest in connection with a domestic violence incident before the robbery. Mr. Key could be driving a white 1998 Geo Prizm with front and rear end damage. It bears South Carolina tag BFW788. Anyone with information about Mr. Key's whereabouts can call the sheriff's office at (706) 541-2800 or Staff Sgt. Mike Cullinan at (706) 541-1044..

Reach Valerie Rowell at 868-1222, ext. 110, or valerie.rowell@augustachronicle.com.