The woman who helped nab two robbery suspects last week in Haines City has received a big reward for her efforts.

But it almost didn't happen.

Alice Ross was watching television coverage last week of the crime spree that included an Auburndale pawn shop robbery, police chase and double murder in Haines City when she got a knock at her door.

She didn't know it but the visitor asking to use a phone was one of the wanted men.

Ross called 911 when she saw the man outside her door and he was arrested moments later. Another suspect was nearby and was quickly caught as a result of the call.

Heartland Crime Stoppers was offering a $5,000 reward for the men's arrest but there was one problem - Ross called 911 and not Crime Stoppers.

"To pay out a reward for Crime Stoppers it has to come in through one of the tip lines as an anonymous tip," said Chip Brown, Heartland Crime Stoppers Executive Director.

But Heartland Crime Stoppers made an exception and rewarded Ross on Thursday.

"While there were some procedural issues with the 911 call as it pertained to the strength and guidelines we have to work under, we felt the reward was more than justified," said Brown.

Speaking during the check presentation, an appreciative Ross said she wasn't even aware of a reward.

"I didn't even know that the sheriff (Grady Judd) had mentioned it (a reward)," Ross said. "I was interrupted watching (TV coverage of the crime spree) it when they knocked on my door."

Ross said she plans on using some the money to better secure her home.

Brown said this is the first time he's ever given someone a check personally. He said tipsters are usually anonymous so they never see their faces or know their names.