Police have released video of an elderly woman setting down her purse to receive communion at a church in Green only to return to find the purse stolen and $1,000 charged on her credit cards at nearby grocery stores.
The surveillance video was captured Thursday morning inside Queen of Heaven Church in Green. Still frames depict a man and woman walking toward a pew where a 79-year-old parishioner had laid down her purse before getting in line to receive communion.
Surveillance cameras were installed at the church several years ago after a major break in, according to a church official.
One of the suspects is described as white male, bald, medium build, with facial hair, wearing a blue shirt and a blue coat. The other is described as a white female, large build, long brown hair, wearing a plaid shirt and a blue coat.
The pair are pictured in grainy footage exiting the church and driving off in what police said was a late model Kia Optima. The two reappear on surveillance footage at a local Acme and Dollar General in Green, where they allegedly used the elderly parishioner’s credit card to purchase more than $1,000 in goods.
Sheriff’s office spokesman Bill Holland said the alleged robbers purchased “no big items,” but did check out “over $400 in diapers and $150 in cigarettes.”
Anyone with information contact the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at 330-643-8637.
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug .