Altamonte Springs police are searching for a suspect they say robbed St. Mary Magdalen church early Tuesday morning.
According to the Altamonte Springs Police Department, the assistant manager arrived at the church off Maitland Avenue around 6 o’clock in the morning to open the parish office. She thought she heard a noise but then found nothing. After she left the woman's restroom she found a man was standing outside.
“He wasted no time. It was a physical attack. He began punching her and choking her and she was basically probably felt like she was fighting for her life,” Altamonte Springs Senior Police Officer Robert Pelton said.
Police say during the attack he reached down and took two rings from the woman’s hand.
"He threatened to stab her," Pelton said. "He simulated reaching towards his back like he had a weapon."
She then grabbed pepper spray from her purse and sprayed the suspect in the chest. He fled the scene on foot.
Police say the suspect was wearing a dark shirt and black pants. He is described as a 16 or 17-year-old white male with dark, curly hair. He has a long skinny nose and a distinctly visible Adams apple.
Anyone with information can call Detective Glenn Cobb at 407-571-8279 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. All callers can remain anonymous.
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