Wedding Crasher Stole $60K In Gifts For Bride And Groom: Glendale Police

GLENDALE, CA — Police are investigating after a wedding crasher stole a gift box containing about $60,000 in cash and checks for the bride and groom from a reception at a Glendale banquet hall, authorities said.

Officers responded around 12:50 a.m. Sunday to the Renaissance Banquet Hall in the 1200 block of South Central Avenue, where witnesses reported that shortly after midnight, a man had entered the hall, grabbed the box and fled, according to police.

"As soon as we found out what happened, you know, the music shut down, everything immediately stopped," bride Nadeen Farahat told KABC. "I ended up sitting on the dance floor sobbing with my friends and cousins around me.”

The thief used the bathroom and ordered a drink while he was at the reception, KABC reported.

"It's very brave. I think he even tipped the bartender," groom George Farahat told the outlet.

The couple, who are offering a $5,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest, estimated the amount stolen could be as high as $100,000, according to KABC, although the approximation provided by police is much lower.

Surveillance footage showed the man — who is about 40, bald and of medium build — escaping in a black Mercedes SUV, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 818-548-3127.