Authorities are looking for a couple of thieves they say preyed on an elderly woman in church.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday released video of a 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 the morning of Dec. 8 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 an Acme and Dollar General in Green, where they allegedly used the elderly parishioner’s credit cards to purchase more than $1,000 in goods.
Sheriff’s office spokesman Bill Holland said Wednesday that the alleged robbers purchased “no big items,” but did check out “over $400 in diapers and $150 in cigarettes.”
Anyone with information may 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 .