For every bump that Raymond Clark has endured this holiday season, there's been a bright side that has followed.

That, the Coeur d'Alene man is convinced, is just how life is going to be.

Clark was the Salvation Army bell ringer in front of Super 1 Foods in Post Falls on Tuesday when 24-year-old Ezariah W. Lingafelter allegedly swiped the red kettle of donations for people in need and sped away in a stolen vehicle.

Clark, who along with a store patron reached into the car and had a scuffle with Lingafelter while trying to detain him, was relieved to read in The Press on Thursday that Lingafelter was later arrested after a pursuit in Spokane and that the kettle of donations had been recovered.

Clark said, in the heat of the moment, he was angry at Lingafelter for stealing the donations given to help people in need. Hence, he chased after the suspect and disregarded advice to not take matters into his own hands under such circumstances.

"I didn't know that I had that in me, but my instincts just kicked in," Clark said. "The whole point of me ringing the bell was to help the unfortunate, homeless or elderly. At first, I saw it as just another way for man to keep me down.

"I feel bad for popping the guy, but on the other hand, he kind of deserved it."

But, after smoke from the traumatic experience cleared, Clark saw other sides to the story that tugged at his heart.

Donations poured in from those who witnessed the incident at the store. Funds were temporarily dropped into a boot stocking since the kettle had been stolen.

"People went out of their way to let their hearts flow," Clark said. "One guy who saw everything happen said, 'I know this isn't what was in the kettle, but here's $50.' That's Christmas spirit. What a wonderful feeling."

Clark, 49, said he later felt sorry for Lingafelter, who was also arrested for drug possession.

"There's a lot of people like me who have gotten into (alcohol and drugs), but are trying to do the right thing with society and get back on their feet," Clark said. "I've been there and know that (desperate) feeling. Every day is like a gift to me. I love my life now."

Clark said he hopes Lingafelter can get help while he's incarcerated.

"That's exactly what it took for me," Clark said.

Clark said he was ringing the bell for the first time on Tuesday and isn't letting the theft deter him from going back out if he's called.

"People were so warm and giving when they'd come in and out of that store," he said. "I could feel the holiday spirit. I went from ringing the bell to telling them thank you, God bless and merry Christmas. It overwhelms you."

As if the kettle bandit incident wasn't enough excitement, Clark said his daughter's car was stolen Wednesday night and was left abandoned and heavily damaged on Fourth of July Pass.

"Somebody had access to her keys," Clark said. "It was taken while she was sleeping, but we don't know who took it. I'm just thankful that she's OK."

Idaho State Police recovered the car on Thursday and are investigating the case.

Post Falls police Capt. Greg McLean said multiple witnesses in the kettle theft and that of an employee's car at Auto Credit on Seltice Way positively identified Lingafelter on Thursday as the suspect in a photo lineup. Lingafelter returned the car to Auto Credit after the alleged kettle theft, but is believed to have stolen a Jeep Cherokee from the White House Grill to flee to Spokane, police said. Lingafelter declined to comment to Spokane detectives.

In addition to multiple charges stemming from the pursuit in Spokane, Lingafelter will now face more charges for the alleged Post Falls crimes, McLean said.