Salvation Army Bell-Ringer Has Kettle Stolen On Christmas Eve
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A Salvation Army bell-ringer collecting donations at a King Soopers in Centennial had his red kettle stolen Thursday afternoon.
It happened at approximately 2 p.m. at the King Soopers store on Holly Street and East County Line Road. Bell-ringer Phil Ray was devastated and believes it was not spontaneous but planned.
He said the suspect, a juvenile, was talking with customers when he ran up behind the bell-ringer and grabbed the kettle. It was not chained, as in the past.
"I was standing here, a gentleman came running by, grabbed the bucket and ran down the side of the shopping center here," said Ray.
The suspect jumped into a car, possibly a maroon sedan with no hub caps. Ray and several shoppers tried to chase him, but he got away.
"I chased after this individual, and there was a lot of people that jumped in to try to help immediately," said Ray. "I'm sad and disappointed. I wish I could have done something to prevent it."
He has been participating for 15 years, and estimates he lost between $800 and $1,000.
"It's a very rewarding and great organization," said Ray.
The Salvation Army released a statement that said:
"We are always saddened by the theft of one of our kettles. The funds otherwise would have gone to help an individual or family in need in our community. But I am positive that the kindness of this community of partners like King Soopers will be more memorable than this one crime."
King Soopers said it will match the amount that was lost in the kettle.
Investigators will examine surveillance video to try to identify the suspect.