Sanford couple robbed at gunpoint outside church

SANFORD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Sanford Police are investigating after a couple was robbed at gunpoint Monday night as they were heading into their church’s education building to do some work.

Dave and Tameasa Provencher, who are youth leaders at First Baptist Church, say they were sitting in their car near 5th Street and Magnolia Avenue when the suspect pointed a gun at them.
　
“He pointed the gun at Tameasa first and said, ‘Give me your money.’” Dave explained.

Tameasa didn’t have money so she handed over her cell phone. Dave says the gunman then turned his attention to him.
　
“So I was trying to get my wallet out and I was having difficulty getting my wallet out and he was getting upset so he pointed the gun at my face and said, ‘You have five seconds or I'm going to blow your head off,’” Dave told FOX 35.
　
“I wasn't afraid I would die so much. I was afraid he would kill my husband. That was my biggest fear and that's all I could think,” Tameasa said.

But the suspect took off after getting their stuff. Dave says he chased after him at first but gave up after the man got on a bike.

Sanford Police are now investigating and they tell us two other attempted robberies were also reported Monday night. One happened at 11th St. and Palmetto Ave. The other was on Sarita Street.
　　
“It can all be replaced, our lives can't be replaced,” Tameasa said.

The Provenchers say the armed robber was about the same age as the kids they try to help. That’s why they’re able to feel compassion for the culprit.
　
“I feel like he's young enough that someone could put him on the right track and his life could turn around. Life is unfair and it just makes me sad that it's been unfair for him. I want him to be helped,” Tameasa said.

The couple says they forgive the suspect but they would still testify against him in court. They say there should be consequences for his actions.