LINCOLNTON, N.C. (CBS Charlotte) – Even as an elderly couple was the victim of a home invasion during their Bible reading, the elderly woman of the home told the suspected burglar that he should be reading his Bible instead of stealing their medication.

Police are investigating a home invasion case in Lincolnton, N.C., involving an armed masked man who broke into an elderly couple’s home as they were reading their Bible on Wednesday. WBTV reports that the masked man, dressed in ski gear, pointed a gun at an elderly man, who was reading his Bible. After obtaining some prescription medication, the suspect escaped through the backyard into a wooded area.

Police indicate that as the man was running, the elderly woman of the home yelled at the suspect, telling him that he “should be reading the Bible instead of committing crimes,” according to a police report from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The masked man threatened to kill the couple if they didn’t wait 15 minutes to call the police, according to police.

“They waited and called family members before calling 911,” Police Lt. Tim Johnson told WBTV. “That gave the suspect a 30 minute head-start on the officers.”

The investigation remains ongoing.