HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A 68-year-old woman working as a Salvation Army bell ringer has spoken out after being attacked in a busy shopping plaza. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, but fortunately, two kind-hearted individuals came to her aid.
Billie Richert was the victim of the attempted robbery. She had just finished ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at a Publix store in Riverview, when a man approached her and demanded her car keys.
Richert recalled, “You think you’ll have time to react, but you really don’t. It happened so quickly.” Surveillance footage released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office captured the suspect, identified as Robert Moore, sitting on the curb. As Richert walked by, Moore demanded her keys. In response, she warned him that she would use pepper spray, but he threw her to the ground.
Fortunately, in the crowded parking lot, several customers heard her scream. A friend she didn’t even know came to her aid and detained the attacker. This good Samaritan, who had served in the U.S. Army for over a decade, preferred to remain anonymous but expressed his happiness at being able to help. Another man also assisted in restraining the suspect until deputies arrived.
Richert expressed her gratitude, saying, “For somebody to get involved in something that they know nothing about and to help somebody, especially an elderly person. It was fantastic. Thank you.” She acknowledged that she could have suffered severe injuries from the attack.
Moore has since been arrested and is now facing charges that include battery and robbery. Despite the traumatic experience, Richert remains resilient, stating, “I’m not going to let him steal my joy. Not at all.”
The Salvation Army bell ringers play a crucial role during the holiday season, collecting donations to support those in need. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and looking out for one another, particularly during busy shopping periods.
