BSO's Prayers Answered After Suspected Church Thief Arrested On DUI
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Broward Sheriff's Office said they arrested the man who preyed on a woman praying at a Broward church and are asking for additional victims to come forward.
Cameras rolled as an 84-year-old Aida Campos de Sanchez prayed at Our Lady Queen of Heaven church with her purse beside her on December 20th, around 1:30 p.m.
That's when a man walked in and sat behind her, scanning the room.
Moments later, he got back up and walked out of the church but after a few seconds returned.
From there, he walked straight towards Campos de Sanchez, stealthily pulled her purse off the seat and rushed out.
Campos de Sanchez noticed someone had just taken her purse and walked out after him, but the man had already left.
Deputies said two days later they found her purse at a nearby cemetery. Her money and wallet were missing but her phone and house keys were recovered.
After CBS4 aired the story, BSO said a Crime Stoppers tip identified the suspect as 30-year-old Jonathan Somps.
According to deputies, Somps' relatives were able to confirm he was the culprit who committed the crime.
Even though authorities had an identity, they were unable to find Somps. That was until their prayers were answered.
The 30 year old was arrested for DUI on January 15th. BSO detectives presented one charge of grand theft against him.
Somps is currently out on bond, but authorities are asking for anyone who has additional information regarding his dealings to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).