Thief steals beauty queen's crown and evening gowns
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EDGEWOOD, Wash. -- The reigning Miss Washington needs a new crown after a thief made off with her car, which contained not only the crown, but her sashes, evening gowns and pageant photos.
Brittney Henry said her violin is the only thing she has left from her pageant performance.
The 24-year-old beauty queen wanted to be ready for an early morning charity event, so she packed her car the night before the event.
"It was kind of like I'm being extra responsible tonight so I'm not in a frenzy in the morning," she said.
But the car was missing when she walked outside the next morning. Henry said the stolen items mean everything to her because they make such a difference in her volunteer work.
"When I walk in with the gown and the crown on, suddenly I become a magical princess, and especially with the elementary school kids," she said. "Their eyes light up. They listen. They open their hearts to my message."
Police haven't been able to track down the thief, but they say Henry's charge cards were put to quick use at stores in Tacoma, Puyallup and Federal Way.
Officers also found her car, but the crown and dresses were gone, and Henry said she's desperate to get them back.
"Without the crown and the sash I can't really serve as the mentor, as the woman, the princess, giving the message," she said.
Police are still investigating the case, and Crime Stoppers of Tacoma Pierce County is also getting involved, offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that will solve the case.
Brittney Henry said her violin is the only thing she has left from her pageant performance.
The 24-year-old beauty queen wanted to be ready for an early morning charity event, so she packed her car the night before the event.
"It was kind of like I'm being extra responsible tonight so I'm not in a frenzy in the morning," she said.
But the car was missing when she walked outside the next morning. Henry said the stolen items mean everything to her because they make such a difference in her volunteer work.
"When I walk in with the gown and the crown on, suddenly I become a magical princess, and especially with the elementary school kids," she said. "Their eyes light up. They listen. They open their hearts to my message."
Police haven't been able to track down the thief, but they say Henry's charge cards were put to quick use at stores in Tacoma, Puyallup and Federal Way.
Officers also found her car, but the crown and dresses were gone, and Henry said she's desperate to get them back.
"Without the crown and the sash I can't really serve as the mentor, as the woman, the princess, giving the message," she said.
Police are still investigating the case, and Crime Stoppers of Tacoma Pierce County is also getting involved, offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that will solve the case.