Catechism Book Provides Haven for Cash

Someone who hid nearly $1,900 in a catechism book in her purse apparently fooled a thief, who tossed the purse atop a store roof in El Monte, where a utility worker found it Friday, police said.

The Southern California Edison Co. worker, Bruce Coburn, 40, brought the purse to police, who are trying to locate the owner, said Officer Anthony Alvarez.

Coburn was checking utility hookups on the roof of a store at 10672 Valley Blvd. when he noticed the white purse with a broken strap. Looking inside, he found a number of items, including a catechism book. Inside was an assortment of $100, $20 and $10 bills totaling $1,870.