Sermon Gets Quick Results
A repentant robber who held up three men in Koreatown on Friday night returned their money and wristwatches after they gave him an impromptu sermon on his sins, police reported.
The three men--all church workers--gave Arturo Montes, 18, a sermon that persuaded him to return the men’s watches and $45 in cash, police said. He also apparently agreed to join them in fellowship at the Church of Christ in Los Angeles.
He was arrested anyway.
“The victims talked to him about religion, about repenting for his sins and changing his way of life,” Police Sgt. Robert Plassmeyer said. “I guess he believed them because he gave the property back to them and gave his gun to them. They unloaded the gun and then gave the gun and the bullets back to him. He put the bullets back in his pocket and waited for police to arrive.”
Montes, who is allegedly a gang member, is being held in lieu of $16,000 bail.
The church’s pastor, Candelario Hidalgo, confirmed that the incident occurred but said he regretted Montes’ arrest because he feared it will discourage other criminals who might be on the verge of seeking spiritual guidance.
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