EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Offbeat

October 22, 2009

Clerk felt God's presence as she, gunman prayed

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The clerk who prayed and hugged a gunman at an Indianapolis check-cashing business says she felt God's presence during the robbery.

Angela Montez says a warmness came over her Monday as she talked with the man even though she was scared that she'd never see her children again.

Montez told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Thursday that when she asked the gunman about his family, he replied that he and his little girl faced being homeless because he'd been unable to find a job. He then fell to his knees in a scene caught on security video and told Montez he wouldn't hurt her before fleeing with $20 from the Advance America branch's register.

Twenty-three-year-old Gregory Smith surrendered Tuesday on a robbery charge. He told WXIN-TV of Indianapolis that he was remorseful and was trying to build his relationship with God.

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