MADISON (WKOW) -- "Shows me to never be nice to people again," an 81-year-old crime victim told police Tuesday afternoon after her cash and check book were stolen from her purse.
She had left it on a table at KFC, 2958 E. Washington Ave., where police say she is a well-liked and regular customer.
She had just met a woman who said she was homeless.
The victim offered to buy the woman a meal, but while she was getting the food, the suspect got into the victim's purse, according to police. The older woman sat with the suspect for a bit, before the suspect departed.
The victim was leaving shortly thereafter and that's when realized her property was missing.
KFC staff members had a feeling something was amiss and had kept an eye on the suspect, who was now across the street.
One employee went out to confront her as police were called.
Stacy M. Andruss, 36, Stoughton, was arrested for theft, carrying a concealed knife, possession of drug paraphernalia and a parole violation.
Ultimately, cash and checkbook were returned to the victim as the suspect went to jail.