Helping a stranger in need

To the editor:

I am thankful there are still citizens who feel it is their duty to help a stranger in need.

I am referring to the incident at the Wal-Mart in Jackson on the night of Dec. 20. A man grabbed a purse from another shopper's cart and ran. A young couple standing nearby observed the incident. The woman, Tracie Lape, yelled for help, and her brave husband, Kevin Lape, pursued the suspect. Mr. Lape chased the man out of the store. At this point, a store employee joined the chase. The employee caught the suspect but let him go because he did not have the purse.

The Jackson police were called. The purse was found on the floor where the suspect had dropped it, thanks to being chased by Mr. Lape. It is a credit to the police that they later caught the suspect using the store's videotape and the Lapes' description.

Wal-Mart and Jackson should be thankful and endeared to Kevin and Tracie Lape for their bravery and willingness to get involved. May they both be blessed threefold for their compassion toward another human in need.

To the Jackson police I say good job in apprehending the suspect. To the citizens of Jackson I say let this be a lesson. Do more to protect yourselves and the people around you. Send a message to the criminals of this world that we are not going to stand by and let them take advantage of us anymore. To Kevin and Tracie I say thanks.

VICKI BURDICK, Hibbing, Minn.