Gunman wished woman a ‘blessed day’ after alleged robbery at church in South Carolina

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WBTV) - A man allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint in a church parking lot, then told her to have a “blessed day” last week.

The robbery happened Thursday, Nov. 5, at St. James United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, sister-station WHNS reported.

An incident report obtained by WHNS said the woman was going to a dance recital at the church when she saw a silver car with tinted windows and its lights on. She reportedly went to the car to see if anyone was inside but turned and went back toward the church.

The woman then heard a door open and turned around to see a man -- later identified as 26-year-old Demarieia Quartez Collins -- running toward her. Collins allegedly had a gun and told the woman to give him money or he would kill her.

She reportedly gave Collins her car keys while she walked over to her car to get money. When she gave him the money, the incident report said Collins gave her the car keys back and told her to “have a blessed day” before he got into his own vehicle and drove off.

The woman got Collins’ license plate number, which helped police identify him as a suspect.

Collins was later arrested and charged with armed robbery.

In a statement to WHNS, St. James United Methodist Church said it was “deeply troubled” by the robbery.

“An act of violence in a place dedicated to worship, fellowship, and service is especially unsettling for our congregation and our community,” the statement read in part. “Our immediate concern is for the victim of this frightening incident. We lift her and her loved ones in prayer, asking God to surround them with peace, comfort and healing.”

The church also said it was reviewing security measures and taking appropriate steps to ensure safety.

“We ask for your continued prayers for all who have been affected, including the young man arrested in connection with this incident,” the church statement said. “Even in moments of fear and uncertainty, we remain steadfast in our faith and our calling to be a community of love, hope, and peace.”

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