Posted: 11/15/2007 3:19:54 AM EDT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Several parishioners gathered at a Westside church discussing how to help families in need became terrorized victims of armed robbers.
Two men came to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church about 7:45 p.m. Monday asking to use the bathroom and get a drink of water, but then stormed into a meeting room, fired one shot and yelled, "everyone get on the ground."
"They busted in, came right in that door, shot immediately into the wall and demanded that they get on the floor and give them their purses and keys and everything," said Cindy Lynskey, the church's business manager.
The men grabbed the wallets, keys and other items, then ran out to the parking lot, clicking on one of the car remotes until a Buick Park Avenue vehicle responded.
The men got in the car and drove away.
The car that was stolen was equipped with a GPS tracking system and they quickly found it abandoned about 10 minutes from the church. Much of what was stolen was recovered, but the two men were gone.
Police said the robbers probably planned the robbery, targeting the elderly victims meeting in the church.
"These two ruthless thugs enter the building who have a blatant disrespect not only for this sanctuary, but for the people that (are) in the sanctuary," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson said.
The victims were shaken up, but undeterred in their faith.
"They will do their best to look beyond their fears to continue the mission they feel they have," Lynskey told Channel 4's Vickie Pierre.
Police ask anyone with information about the armed robbery to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. |
www.news4jax.com/news/14597804/detail.html
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ETA: There's also another story here too. The media in JAX has a habit of NOT giving a description, other than they were men and robbers. They hardly ever mention the perp's race or color.
ETA2: "It is an there's also" WTF? I can't type this morning.
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