COLUMBUS (AP) — The manager of a Northwest Side restaurant says a woman stole money from a donation box intended to help the families of two slain Westerville police officers and spent it on a nearby lottery machine.
RELATED: Official mourning period is over, but community can still honor officers
The theft was reported at Average Joe’s Pub and Grill on W. Henderson Road Saturday.
Employees say they had collected a few hundred dollars for Westerville police officers Anthony Morelli and Eric Joering, but the box ended up empty at closing.
Manager Briana Braver tells WSYX-TV surveillance footage captured the suspect pulling money out and spending it. A police investigation is ongoing.
Morelli and Joering were fatally shot after entering a Westerville home Feb. 10.
Thirty-year-old Quentin Smith has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with their deaths.