Share this @internewscast.com

New Mexico authorities are searching for a man who allegedly stole a van full of toys from the Salvation Army on Tuesday.

The Farmington Police Department said in a statement that Anthony Crespin, 37, is believed to have stolen a Salvation Army employee’s Toyota minivan from a Walmart parking lot. The employee was reportedly shopping at the store for the charity’s “Angel Tree” program — and Crespin had assisted them in shopping and loading the toys into the minivan.

“Before the employee and other volunteers were finished purchasing the toys, Crespin drove off in the vehicle,” police alleged in the statement obtained by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

It is unclear from the report if Crespin posed as a volunteer or otherwise misrepresented himself to get access to the volunteer and their vehicle.

The Salvation Army estimated the stolen toys and gifts inside the stolen van total $6,000.

In light of last week’s reported heist, Salvation Army Lieutenant Christopher Rockwell told the Associated Press that they have received an influx of donations that exceed what was stolen. He said on Saturday that the donations included cash, “lots of toys, lots of clothing,” and hygiene items.

According to Rockwell, the items stolen last week were supposed to go to children during a distribution drive on Monday. The van — and Crespin — remain unaccounted for.

On Saturday, an arrest warrant was issued for Crespin, who is charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Farmington police said he is known to frequent the Farmington and Bernalillo areas.

“The Grinch will not have this victory,” Rockwell told the Associated Press. Referring to the outpouring of donations, he said, “It’s a massive blessing beyond comprehension.”

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Featured image: Anthony Crespin/Farmington Police Department]

Source: This post first appeared on https://www.crimeonline.com/feed/

Share this @internewscast.com
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Lisa Marie Waldron sentenced for killing Jordan Brooks

Lisa Marie Waldron (L) and Anthony Michael Waldron (R) (Mug shots: Oswego…

Pocahontas Arkansas Police Department Probes Theft of Flowers from Local Cemetery

Masonic Cemetery on Pyburn Street in Pocahontas, Arkansas, has become the target…

Indecent exposure suspect in Denver arrested on 6 felony, 10 misdemeanor counts

DENVER — A man accused in multiple incidents of indecent exposure in…

Missing 13-Year-Old Boy Hasn’t Been Seen in Over 2 Weeks

Texas police are searching for a 13-year-old boy who has been missing…

Man Accused Of Killing Wife Allegedly Sent Chilling Texts And Wrote His Name On Her Leg

A Missouri father of two has been accused of killing his wife,…

North Fort Myers Man Arrested And Charged After Assaulting And Pointing Gun At A Woman’s Head

52-year-old Bruno Casallas-Rivero from North Fort Myers was arrested for attacking a…

Su Young Boudreau claimed to be Elon Musk’s wife at SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the crew capsule Endeavour stands ready…

Man flagged down before ute 'stolen' on regional highway

Three teens are facing further charges after they appeared before children’s court…

‘I have a gut feeling that something is not right’: Missing Texas Mom Vanishes After Work, Family Seeks Tips

A Texas grandmother is seeking answers after her 21-year-old granddaughter uncharacteristically vanished…

Hend Bustami pleads to murder of her mother Afaf Hussanen

Hend Bustami (LVMPD), Bustami’s hands following her arrest and inside the home…

Dominic Austin allegedly hurled slurs at Nubrittany Smith

A shocking doorbell video in Oregon captures a man repeatedly hurling racist…

Crystal Roberston, Shane Robertson now charged with assault

Crystal Roberston, Shane Robertson (Pennridge Regional Police Department) Pennsylvania parents of seven…