Includes video report
WALTHAM, Mass. — At 100 years young, Larry Steinfeld has a lifetime of stories including fighting in World War II, great-grandkids and a 65 year long marriage.
He wasn't sure why his latest tale brought a reporter to his door.
"How did I reach this," Steinfeld said.
When Larry came back from the Saturday donut and coffee time downstairs in his Waltham apartment building someone was walking out his door.
A man stole Larry's scratch ticket worth $100.
Waltham Police Officer Tom Bryant responded. "I felt an affection toward him for what he has done for this country and who he really is," said Officer Bryant.
Officer Bryant went around to convenience stores finally tracking down the ticket and surveillance video. He arrested Leslie Torres, 33, who lives in Larry's building and is suspected of stealing from other residents.
"They thanked me like I was a hero. I didn't do anything. I just remembered my scratch ticket," said Steinfeld.
"With a great sadness, I had to tell him I was not able to get his money back," said Officer Bryant.
He put an envelope out in the P.D. to collect the money.
"I thought we could bring all of us together and help him out," said Officer Bryant.
Larry doesn't know about the collection, or how much he touched Officer Byrant and as a result impacted so many people. If his plan holds true with his 101st birthday he is still just getting started.
"I'll start over again. I'll be one then two then three," said Larry.
Officer Bryant does not know yet how much money has been donated. It will still be a surprise to Larry, who went to bed after the interview.
VIDEO: Watch the report
Thanks to oldghost for the tip.
My hat goes off to Officer Bryant and his department, and also to Mr. Steinfeld.
He's in good shape for 100! Good for him.
And he was quite the looker.
Thank You Larry for being a Patriot and fighting for the Freedoms We All Enjoy Today!
I'm glad they were able to catch the thief. Also because of the theft, Officer Bryant was able to meet Mr. Steinfeld and we were able to read this inspirational story.
An Grate American Story !!!!!!!!!!
Wouldn't it be cool if he won PB. Something tells me he'd do good things with all that money.
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Yes, he must have been quite the looker - he looked all over for his lost ticket.
(no idiot, "looker", as in good-looking in his younger days.)
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Anybody know anything of Leslie Torres?
I'd like to get his id, so I know who's out there, ripping people off.
Don't wish that stress on this man's heart.
The sad thing is nothing but a slap on the wrist for this thug will come of this.
Unshaven, needs a haircut, old clothes, and his face says, trouble.
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That would be sad, to me. Especially, since my Dad was of a similar age of this old war horse.
Not only that, but a couple years back, and you can look this up on CNN, another older gentleman, of the same age, named Delbert Belton, of Spokane Washington met his fate, not in war, but in a parking lot, at the hands of two hoodlums, while Mr. Belton was waiting for pool room buddies to show up.
A good reason to exercise your Second Amendment Rights!
If I'm not mistaken I don't think Massachusetts honors the Castle Doctrine. Folks have to be careful with it too, you can easily be charged with murder. It happened in Louisville, KY which has the castle law. Guy chased a thief from his apartment which he broke into. Guy climbing fence (criminal) to get away. Was shot and killed. Shooter=charged with murder. I understand you cannot shoot someone in a retreat mode which he was. Best to shoot them INSIDE your home/apartment.