Accused kettle-thief caught

Maumee police arrested a Toledo man wanted in connection with Saturday's Salvation Army kettle theft.

Shawn P. Krieger, 44, of Toledo was taken into custody Monday morning and arraigned in Maumee Municipal Court.

At about 6:30 p.m on Saturday., the suspect allegedly walked in to The Andersons General Store on Illinois Avenue. While a volunteer was talking to a donor, Krieger allegedly pushed the Salvation Army volunteer to the ground, grabbed the red kettle and tripod, ran to a stolen Ford pick-up truck, and sped off.

When the bell ringer tried to take the kettle back, police say Krieger pushed her down and said, "I can't stand you and your bell-ringing. I hate Christmas."

Krieger was charged Monday with robbery and held on $25,000 bond. The judge will assign a public defender to his case.

The Salvation Army estimates the kettle held $500 to $700.