Woman posing as Meals on Wheels volunteer robs 93-year-old

A 93-year-old Bessemer woman thought she was about the get her daily Meals on Wheels meal Thursday but she was robbed instead.

Around 11 a.m. Reola Robinson says a woman driving a black Lexus pulled up to her Bessemer home and walked to the front door. Although Mrs. Robinson didn't know the woman, she didn't hesitate to let her in.

"I keeps the door open because I look for my meals on wheels to come about this time," she said.

Robinson says the lady told her she was with the meal program and was taking a survey of participants. And then she says the lady did something strange.

Robinson says the lady distracted her and reached down into her purse, which was on the floor next to her chair, and took two envelopes with money in them. In total: $400.

The woman then quickly walked out of the house, Robinson says. Robinson's great-grandson was actually at the home and saw the whole thing but was unable to stop the woman.

Robinson says that money was for her monthly bills and since she lives on a fixed income, she's not sure how she can make it through the rest of the month. Most importantly, she wants to know why the woman chose her to rob.

"Nothing I can do about it now so I ask the Lord, don't let me upset myself," she said. "I hope we'll get her, somebody stop her."

It's the first incident of its kind reported to Bessemer Police. They are warning elderly citizens and their families to be on guard and the criminal investigation division is looking into the case. If you have any information that might help police, call 205-425-2411.

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