Charles Salvatore and his family had to work extra hard to raise money for liver disease after someone tried to make off with their donations. On Friday they were collecting money outside a Port Richey Wal-Mart, after losing someone they cared about to the disease. But not everyone who showed up wanted to give.
Port Richey Police say 25-year-old John Marika acted like he was going to make a donation, before grabbing the jar full of the money the family helped collect. "He asked me how my grandpa died then he jacked the money and took off!", Charles' 10-year-old nephew said.
Without hesitation Charles chased after the thief on his scooter, tackled him and held him down until police arrived. "I can't breathe!" Marika said as Salvatore laid on top of him, but he had no intention of letting go. "I don't care! He stole money from the American Liver Foundation." Salvatore replied.
Port Richey officers arrived at the scene minutes later and cuffed him. Marika even apologized for what he did. "Hey man! I'm sorry man!" Salvatore got his $170 dollars back, and got plenty more from onlookers who saw the commotion. He plans to ride his scooter all the way to Alaska to raise awareness for liver disease.
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