Pfleger offers $5,000 reward for arrest of ‘cowards’ who attacked an 80-year-old priest

 

By Chinta Strausberg

 

Shocked and angered over the robbery and beating of 80-year-old Father Daniel Mallette, who is pastor of the South Side St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Father Michael L. Pfleger Tuesday offered a $5,000 reward for the capture of the two “Ninja” disguised ‘cowards’ who beat the priest with his own cane.

“There used to be a time when we respected elders…the church but all of that is gone,” he told members of his weekly bible class.

Pfleger spent several hours with Father Mallette and said, “They broke his cane over his head. They broke two ribs, and he’s bruised very bad.”

Pfleger believes the robbers knew Father Mallette and that they may have been hiding in his home. Mallette awoke to find the men standing over his bed demanding money.

When they told him to lead them to the safe and he didn’t move fast enough, they allegedly broke his cane over his head also beating him in the face.

“They are cowards beating up an 80-year-old man…. It was horrible,” said Pfleger. “But, his spirit is tough. He said to me ‘If I can sit through that horrible Bears game, I can get through this.”

Chicago police and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who is a member of the church, are investigating this case.

If anyone has any information that could lead to the arrest of the robbers, please call 911 or Father Pfleger at 773-483-4300. Your information will remain confidential.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.