Purchases led cops to alleged racetrack robber

COLLINSVILLE -- Court filings show three people accused of robbing nearly $170,000 from Fairmount Park Racetrack were apprehended because one went on a shopping spree.

Christopher Tongay, 29, Cathy Lasich, 47, and Kathryn Holdener, 36, have been charged in the Nov. 12 robbery, during which an employee was forced at gunpoint to open a safe.

An affidavit filed in Madison County by Collinsville police Thursday says authorities released surveillance footage of the crime on Nov. 26. Police got a call the same day from an acquaintance of Tongay.

The acquaintance said Tongay had flaunted a wad of cash and had been buying expensive items.

Police say the purchases included plasma TVs, DVD players, wheel covers, cherry flooring and a vacuum cleaner.