Video shows robber, victim consoling each other

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Investigators are calling the robbery of a check cashing store on the east side of Indianapolis one of the strangest robbery cases they've ever seen. The bizarre scene was all caught on tape.

The victim, Angela Montez, was working at Advance America, a check cashing store in the 9400 block of East Washington around 3:30 Monday afternoon when a young man walked in, took a form, walked away and then came back brandishing a gun.

But what happens next, is almost unbelievable.

Security video shows the robber actually hugging Montez, who had broken down into tears during the robbery. He explained that he hated committing the crime, but he had no choice. And then, police reports showed, Montez began to counsel the young man. They began to talk about God. The robber then fell to his knees, becoming emotional. Montez is then seen hugging him.

"I've been a detective for three years and I've never seen anything like it," said Sgt. Kevin Wethington of the IMPD.

Talking and trying to convince the young man to turn away from crime, may have stopped him from taking the next step.

When asked if the Montez's actions may have saved her life, Sgt. Wethington said, "It certainly didn't hurt."

Video shows the man taking a bullet from the gun and placing it on the floor to try and reassure Montez he wouldn't shoot her. He then ordered her into a bathroom. While she was there, he stole her cell phone and $20 from the drawer.

Security cameras got a clear shot of his face as he left.

Even with the picture of his face, police are still trying to learn who this man is.

If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.