Hail Storm Helps Woman Find Stolen Purse

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sunday's hail storm damaged hundreds of homes, but an Oklahoma City woman said it was also responsible for leading to her stolen purse.

Sherry Trosper's purse was stolen last month while she was walking at Lake Hefner with a friend.

"I felt so violated. My passport, my license, everything was in there. I had just returned from a trip to England, and my camera with all the photos were in there too," Trosper said.

Almost a month later, members of Oklahoma City's Masonic Lodge #36 were on the roof of their building investigating potential hail damage when they noticed two purses on the roof. One of them was Trosper's.

"At first I couldn't believe it. I never thought I would see it again," Trosper said.

Most of Trosper's belongings were still in the purse including her priceless pictures.

"Everything was soaking wet. I'm drying it out now, but I am just so thankful to have my stuff back. In particular, my camera and the memory card. Everything but the photos could be replaced," she said.

Police told Trosper it's not the first time a stolen purse has been found on a roof because it's a convenient place for thieves to toss evidence after they get what they want.

"My wallet still had $10 in it. I don't know how that happened," Trosper said.

John Holman is the man who found the purse on the roof. He said he is glad it has gone back to the rightful owner.

Trosper said she considers her story the silver lining to all the damage from Sunday's hail storm.