INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police revealed new video of the “praying robber,” showing him allegedly holding up another check cashing store.In store cameras caught 23-year-old Gregory Smith holding a gun on an employee of a Pay Day Loan at 38th and Massachusetts Avenue October 14. He faces charges related to that robbery.
Meanwhile, the armed robbery suspect known as the "praying robber" appeared in a Marion County court for another robbery.
The judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. After he returned to the Marion County jail he spoke to 24-Hour News 8's Gene Rodriguez.
The security video from this week's east side check cashing store has now made national headlines. And Greg Smith said it's him seen in the security video attempting to rob the Advance America store on East Washington Street in Indianapolis.
He said while he was robbing the store, the store employee Angela Montez began to cry, and he did too. He said he was feeling remorseful about what he was doing.
When Rodriguez asked Smith what happened next?
He said she prayed over me. He said that Montez asked God to forgive him for what he was doing.
When Rodriguez asked Smith if he had prayed while he was in jail? Smith replied everyday.
In the store security video, Montez and Smith can be seen on their knees and hugging each other. Montez told dispatchers that Smith even took the bullet out of the gun and gave it to her to show her he wasn't going to shoot her.
Smith said he robbed the store because he was desperate. He said he hasn't had a job in over a year and was facing an eviction and possibly being homeless. He also said he worried for his 2-year-old daughter and his girlfriend.
Earlier in the week, police reported that Smith took $20 from the cash drawer at Advance America and also took Montez's phone. But Smith said he didn't take any money. He said he only took Montez's phone to buy him some time to get away.
Montez called 911 from a land line to alert police about what had just happened.
Smith cried during his interview with 24-Hour News 8. He said he has been praying for forgiveness for what he's done.
But, Montez has said that she forgives Smith. He said that is a blessing.
Smith said he graduated from Ben Davis High School and is a licensed heating and air technician and served 4 years in the United States Air Force.
He said he won't rob anyone again.
Meantime, he remains in the Marion County jail.
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