HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFTS) – A 68-year-old woman who was working as a Salvation Army bell ringer has spoken out after she was attacked in a busy shopping plaza. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, but fortunately, two kind-hearted individuals came to her aid.
The victim, Billie Richert, had just finished ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at a Publix store in Riverview. As she was walking to her car, a man approached her and demanded her car keys.
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Richert recalls feeling taken aback by the suddenness of the situation, saying, “You think you’re going to have time to react, but you really don’t. It happened so quickly.” Surveillance footage released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows the suspect, later identified as Robert Moore, sitting on the curb. Richert was passing by when he demanded her keys. In response, she threatened to use pepper spray, but Moore allegedly threw her to the ground.
Fortunately, the crowded parking lot was filled with customers who heard Richert’s screams for help. A bystander, who wished to remain anonymous but had served in the U.S. Army for over a decade, came to her aid and detained Moore. Another man also assisted in restraining the suspect until the arrival of law enforcement.
Richert expressed her gratitude towards the Good Samaritans, saying, “For somebody to get involved in something that they know nothing about and to help somebody, especially an elderly person. It was fantastic. It really was. Thank you.”
Following the incident, Moore was arrested and is now facing charges including battery and robbery. Richert, determined not to let the incident dampen her spirits, stated, “I’m not going to let him steal my joy. Not at all.”
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The Salvation Army expressed their support for Richert and commended the bravery of those who came to her aid. The organization continues to raise funds for their Red Kettle Campaign, which provides assistance to families in need during the holiday season.
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