Bingo: Arnold church robbed of bingo proceeds

Walter Rewnicki, 86, of Arnold, was counting the money and started to resist, but another elderly man urged his colleague to hand over the loot.

Pongrance and Rewnicki were among about six bingo players getting ready to leave Tuesday. It was about 10 p.m.

Pongrance recalled the robber saying, "That's my money. " In reality, the money would have helped to keep the lights on at the church's social bingo hall.

But Rewnicki at first thought it was a "joke or something" because of the way the robber raced into the church bingo hall.

When he saw the shotgun, Rewnicki got mad.

Pongrance said police asked him not to reveal just how much money was taken, but he said there was an unusually good turnout of about 90 bingo players.

Police Chief Joe Doutt said police are stepping up patrols.

Bingo is important to helping the small congregation keep its doors open, said the Rev. Anthony Balistreri.

Balistreri wasn't there Tuesday night. He is thankful no one was hurt.

Written by Chuck Biedka

www.pittsburghlive.com