So. Fla. minister becomes victim of theft

Posted: 01/22/13 at 7:10 am EST

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida minister fell victim to an unholy act at a gas station.

A car pulled up just steps away and in the blink of an eye her belongings were gone. "I'm a minister," said Mary Ann Gleason, "And I'm very trustworthy, and I never thought this would happen to me."

Mary Ann Gleason never thought a quick stop to pump gas would end with slick thieves grabbing her purse right out of her car. "Normally, I lock my car when I get out of my car to get gas," said Gleason. "But I was in a hurry. I got back in the car to put my wallet in my purse and I realized my purse was gone."

The thieves robbed a Mobil gas station on Southwest 152nd Street and 137th Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade last Wednesday at around 3:30 p.m.

Gleason briefcase with all of her important documents, an iPad, iPhone, her son's expensive jacket and an application with a voided check were all stolen, while she filled up the gas tank. "I was at the pump when all of this took place and didn't even realize it," said Gleason. "I didn't hear the car door open, feel the car shake, hear car door close. These people are so professional they do this in the blink of an eye."

A police officer told Gleason what he saw on surveillance video. "They had gotten out of back seat, opened car door," said an Gleason. "Took everything out of passenger side and took off."

Gleason is glad her two granddaughter's weren't in the back seat at the time. And like a true minister, she's not bitter or angry, but praying for the thieves and warning the public. " I'm not angry with them," said Gleason, "Because I'm sure they're a victim of circumstances, but I'll pray for them. Ask them to mail it to me."

If you have any information on this robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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