Gunman Prays with Clerk During Robbery

Jean Luc Melenchon, leader of France's leftist political party Front de Gauche, and candidate for the 2012 French legislative elections visit as a voting station in Oignies, northern France, Sunday, June 10, 2012, French Legislative elections will take place next June 10 and 17, and will determine the makeup of the new parliament. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon) / jacques Brinon

Police say an armed robber spent nearly 10 minutes on his knees praying with a clerk at an Indianapolis check-cashing business before fleeing with $20 from the register.

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

The robber turned himself in after his mother spotted him in surveillance video that aired on CBS affilate WISH Monday night.

Police say the robbery took an unusual turn after the gunman came around the counter when the clerk starting crying and talking about God.

The man, identified as Gregory Smith, said he had a 2-year-old child to support and asked for prayers about overcoming his hardships.

Police say the man removed the bullet from his gun and gave it to the clerk before taking her cell phone and the money.

"This whole robbery deal was pretty strange. I've been on 27 years and never seen nothing like this," said IMPD Lt. Jeff Duhamell, according to the station.

"After his mother saw him, she contacted him and he basically turned himself in," said Lt. Duhamell.

Smith is being held without bond facing felony gun and robbery charges. Police said he was already on probation for theft, the station reported.

[natsranch]

Okay first off they ARE not both okay and safe. I am disgusted that this is how we treat our fellow Americans. The guy is was at his end with his wife and child being thrown out on the street that day at 4pm. And our "christian" thing to do is to send him to jail? So now he'll be locked up with real killers and rapists that will take out all their anger because he showed compassion. The next guy that goes to rob a bank is for sure going to pull that trigger because exactly what good did this guy's compassion do him? Will his kid have a roof over its head tonight? I mean honestly this country is skewed on its values. We let big executives and politican take millions, and millions and millions of dollars from us and we turn our head and say "oh well what can poor little me do" but we'll ruin a person's life for being poor and desperate. The fact is that more and more people are getting poor and desperate in this country and our jails can't hide them all. if you want to be a good person reguardless of what your beliefs are get off your judgement stools and lend a hand, an ear, a dollar to the people that we claim are our brethen. CBS I would like to help Gregory Smith. I don't want him to feel forgotten or regret the courage it took to turn himself and sparing a person's life and ONLY taking $20. Please send me his contact info or his family's info or give them mine. I'm not sure what i can do, but I am sure I can find a few people that will show everyone out there that the only godly thing to do is care for people like this. When our banks and corporations become accountable for their crimes then maybe we'll see some real justice done.

[boopy2298]

I am very surprised and happy they are both safe. That was a brave thing for her to do. That is what all Christians should do in the line of fire- taking strength/faith from our Lord! Sometimes as Christians we slide in that department under pressure. We need more compassion in this World. I am confused why he still took the money- I thought they had that all worked out? I feel sorry for anyone who feels that stealing is their only way out. I hope he realizes what he has done, and in return he shows others that this was NOT the right path. I would like to send his family a little money ,even though, I heard he took the money anyway and ran. As a country we are all going through some rough times so let us help each other- it would help make a better world. I hope his apology was true and if so I know God will have mercy on him.

[boopy2298]

I am very surprised and happy they are both safe. That was a brave thing for her to do. That is what all Christians should do in the line of fire- taking strength/faith from our Lord! Sometimes as Christians we slide in that department under pressure. We need more compassion in this World. I am confused why he still took the money- I thought they had that all worked out? I feel sorry for anyone who feels that stealing is their only way out. I hope he realizes what he has done, and in return he shows others that this was NOT the right path. I would like to send his family a little money ,even though, I heard he took the money anyway and ran. As a country we are all going through some rough times so let us help each other- it would help make a better world. I hope his apology was true and if so I know God will have mercy on him.

[ubrew12]

This is America, dam**t. If he's white, 20 years in the slammer. If he's black, death penalty. Just cuz you're poor doesn't mean you can pray. You don't catch WallStreet bankers behaving so poorly.