UPDATE: Surveillance Photos of Salvation Army Kettle Thief

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Updated: 9:55 AM Dec 2, 2010 UPDATE: Surveillance Photos of Salvation Army Kettle Thief Albemarle County Police are searching for a strong armed robbery suspect Tuesday evening after a Salvation Army bell ringer was attacked outside Sam's Club and the red kettle was stolen. Posted: 4:58 PM Nov 30, 2010 Reporter: Jessica Jaglois Email Address: jessica.jaglois@newsplex.com

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November 30, 2010

The Salvation Army says one of its bell ringers was attacked by a man Tuesday afternoon outside Sam's Club in Albemarle County. The suspect, who is still at large, reportedly stole the red kettle filled with charitable donations.

The bell ringer has been identified as 43-year-old Lawrence Egnor. In an exclusive interview with CBS19's Jessica Jaglois, Egnor said it was his first day on the job. He said the Salvation Army has helped him through homelessness so he was ringing the bell to try and repay the favor. The suspect was completely covered and while Egnor did not get any glimpse of what he/she looked like, he did have a message for the person or persons responsible.

"I hope you can live with your conscience for what you did to the families and the people who need that money. I hope you can live with that conscience," he said.

Officials say the strong armed robbery took place around 1pm Tuesday when Egnor was approached by a man and pushed against the wall. The ringer fell to the ground and hit his back on a pipe. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Major Allen Johnson, of the Salvation Army, calls the attack and theft shocking.

"I'm very surprised that something like this would happen in Charlottesville, but the economy the way it is and the way the world is anymore, it's hard. People are desperate and we're seeing more of these desperate things happening around the world," said Maj. Johnson.

The suspect covered his/her face and was wearing a black leather jacket, black leather gloves, blue jeans and a green neon traffic vest over the jacket. Surveillance video showed him/her get into the back seat of a gold early 90's model Mercury Sable and the vehicle was last seen heading South on Berkmar Drive.

Officials could not disclose how much money was stolen but did say that the kettle had been outside Sam's Club since 10am Tuesday. Sam's Club announced Wednesday they are giving the Salvation Army $500 to make up for what kettle thief swiped.

Egnor said he will not let the incident affect his spirits. "I wanted to go ring a bell today but they gave me the day off. I'm going back to ring the bell tomorrow. I'm not letting something like this bring me down," said Egnor.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 434-977-4000.

Latest Comments

Posted by: taxpayer on Dec 12, 2010 at 07:08 PM

check out Egnor's page on the Charlottesville district court website.

Posted by: The Dude Location: Greene County on Dec 5, 2010 at 01:52 PM

I'm shocked, I tell you, absolutely shocked. How low can these people go? How much longer city leaders going to tolerate and ignore these thugs? I expect this in Richmond or D.C., but not here. This is exactly why we need to bring back public flogging and stoning. The "3 hots, a cot, and cable TV" as punishment is NOT working.

Posted by: Tee on Dec 3, 2010 at 07:37 AM

TV is more advanced so don't expect are LE would comprehend .

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