ARLINGTON The Little Italy Italian Market on Olympic Avenue was robbed of its tip jar Feb. 20, and by March 1, Arlington Police Officer Mike Phillips called Little Italy owner Carla Lowe to tell her that the suspect had been apprehended.
Phillips informed Lowe that her security camera footage was e-mailed to other law enforcement agencies. The appearance of the suspect seen taking her employees tip jar matched that of a woman who was arrested Feb. 8 in Smokey Point on a similar charge.
Mike and the other officers all took this very seriously, Lowe said. They didnt just let it go because it wasnt a huge amount.
Lowe reported that her staff was gratified not only by the prompt response of the police, but also by the generosity shown by their customers.
On Feb. 1, before I got the call from Mike, one of our customers gave us a $10 bill for the tip jar, Lowe said. Everyone has just been so sad that this happened to us, and weve been so grateful to them.
Lowes faith in her neighbors remains undaunted by the incident, and after its absence, the tip jar is back on the front counter.
Life goes on, Lowe said. Ive said it plenty of times before, but only in Arlington do people care enough to help each other out as much as this.