Advertisement

Groom chases down thief who allegedly stole gifts from his wedding reception

Jared Lightle took after the thief while he was still wearing his tuxedo and leather shoes.

By Evan Bleier
A colorful tie on a tuxedo display in the window at Mister Guy Clothier in Ladue, MO. (File/UPI Photo/Bill Greenblatt)
A colorful tie on a tuxedo display in the window at Mister Guy Clothier in Ladue, MO. (File/UPI Photo/Bill Greenblatt) | License Photo

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter

JOPLIN, Mo., July 1 (UPI) -- A groom got an unexpected surprise on Saturday while he was renewing his vows after a year of marriage during a ceremony in Joplin, Mo.

Jared and Stephanie Lightle were restating their vows during a traditional wedding after he was deployed to Afghanistan a year ago.

Advertisement

While he was putting a gift in the car, Lightle's mother pointed out an uninvited guest who she had observed taking wedding gifts from a table in the lobby of the wedding hall.

Lightle shouted, "Stop! Thief! Stop," and gave chase while still wearing his tuxedo and leather shoes.

The 28-year-old groom, his brother and father chased the man out of the hall and he was apprehended by police a few blocks away. When 31-year-old Rosario Caruso was caught, he still allegedly had gift cards and cash that were taken from the wedding.

"If we hadn't caught the guy, it would have ended an otherwise perfect celebration on a very bitter note," the groom told the Joplin Globe. "But, since police caught him and it appears justice will be served. I guess we're going to have a very unique wedding story to tell the rest of our lives."

Advertisement

Caruso has been charged with trespassing, larceny and resisting arrest.

Latest Headlines