Delaware church robbed before Sunday Mass
Monday, June 14th, 2010
By: Mark Eichmann
meichmann@whyy.org
Just a half hour before the Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral in Wilmington, a man who claimed he carried a gun in his pocket walked into the church as it was being prepared for the service.
The thief first approached a 71-year-old church employee and demanded cash. When the worker showed the man his wallet to prove he didn't have any money, he demanded to be taken to the altar area. The suspect then found a 51-year-old priest in the sacristy room getting ready for the service. He demanded money from the priest as well, the priest again told the man he had none. The priest heard the suspect possibly cocking the gun in his pocket. At that time the priest then handed the robber an envelope that contained all the money donated to the "poor box."
The thief also demanded the priests cellphone, but the priest refused to give it to him, telling the robber that he needed it for emergencies. The suspect then fled.