Gunman prays with clerk, then finishes robbery

[October 21, 2009]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Police said a gunman spent nearly 10 minutes on his knees praying with the clerk at an Indianapolis check-cashing business before fleeing with her cell phone and $20 from the register.

Security video from the Advance America branch clearly showed the man's face during Monday's stickup, and a 23-year-old man surrendered Tuesday on a preliminary charge of robbery.

The robbery took an unusual turn after the gunman came around the counter as the clerk told police she began crying and then talked about God. The man said he had a 2-year-old child to support and asked for prayers about overcoming his hardships.

Sgt. Kevin Wethington said the clerk's actions "certainly didn't hurt" prevent more troubles in the store on the city's east side near Washington Square Mall.

[Associated Press]

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