Salvation Army Bell Ringer Accused Of Stealing Red Kettle

Salvation Army officials in Lawton say a bell ringer who recently stayed at the local shelter has disappeared with the red kettle he was using to accept donations and the cash he collected.

Capt. Ernie Hull told reporters that Patrick McDrew was dropped off at a Big Lots store about 10 a.m. Friday and officials who checked on him about 3 p.m. found nothing wrong. But McDrew and the kettle were gone when officials returned about 7 p.m. to shut it down for the day.

Hull says the location averaged about $300 a day in donations last year. He says the biggest concern is that McDrew still has the "Ring the Bell" Salvation Army apron and red kettle that he could use to collect more money from unsuspecting donors.