Community Unites to Support Woodstock Drug After Shocking Break-In
By Savannah Logan
A shocking act of vandalism turned into a heartwarming display of community spirit in Woodstock – and would you expect anything less from Bibb County?
In the early hours of Sunday morning, someone used a steamroller, seemingly taken from a nearby construction site, to smash through the front of Woodstock Drug. The suspect caused massive damage, drove over shelves of merchandise, and attempted to exit through the side wall, ultimately running off with hundreds of dollars’ worth of prescription drugs.
Despite the massive mess left behind, the Rooker family, owners of Woodstock Drug for over 35 years, didn’t face it alone. Within hours, approximately 50 members of the Woodstock community — friends, neighbors, and even strangers — arrived to clean up the debris, board up the damage, and get the store ready to reopen on Monday morning. Having so much help show up, they even had to turn some folks away.
The Rookers expressed their deep gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of help. They thanked the community members who volunteered their skills, energy, and time to help get the store cleaned up and safe for business and appreciated the many phone calls and messages checking on their well-being. They also singled out the Woodstock Police Department, noting how quickly they responded to the alarm and Assistant Chief Jason Beams, who despite being off duty, worked tirelessly to help identify the suspects. The Rookers shared that Beams even returned after his shift to help with repairs, ensuring the store could open and continue serving the community.
“This community holds a special place in our hearts, and we can’t express our gratitude enough,” the Rookers said, emphasizing the emotional impact of the support they received.
Mayor Jeff Dodson shared his own similar sentiments, emphasizing how the incident demonstrated the spirit of Woodstock. Woodstock Drug is one of the town’s oldest businesses, and the Rooker family has been an integral part of the community for decades. “When they needed help, everyone stepped up, no hesitation. That’s just the kind of town Woodstock is — small enough that everyone knows each other but big enough to come together in a big way when it matters most.”
Dodson expressed his immense pride in the people of Woodstock, and about how this is a town where neighbors take care of each other. It’s part of what makes Woodstock such a wonderful place to live. He noted how Woodstock Drug has served the community tirelessly, and how heartwarming it is to see the community give back to them.
While the damage to the store is significant and repairs will likely be costly, the Rookers are focusing on the overwhelming support they’ve received.
It’s clear this community holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, and sometimes the loudest way to love is by taking action – and that’s exactly what the community of Woodstock did.
As of Monday, Woodstock Police confirmed they had one suspect in custody and are working to locate a second individual. In the meantime, the town’s swift and heartfelt response serves as a reminder that, in Woodstock, the strength of the community always shines brighter than any challenge it faces.
(Photo Credit: Brad Rooker)
