LAWRENCE, Ind. — At one church, he pretended to need help. At a second, he said he’d left behind his cellphone. It seemed as though a man targeting churches got away, but a camera captured images of him and his car.
According to police, the suspect used the ploy to steal from two Lawrence churches in the past month. In one case he pretended he need help at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 10000 E. 56th St. Once inside, he snatched a purse and left.
Police believe that same man showed up at Lawrence United Methodist Church, 5200 Shadeland Ave. He told the members inside that he had misplaced his cellphone.
As he walked around, members say he snatched a deposit bag that included cash and checks and ran away.
“Anybody who recognizes him, we ask them to contact Crime Stoppers and share that information. We hope he makes himself known to law enforcement,” said Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff with Lawrence Police Department.
As police seek information about the possible suspect, members at Lawrence United Methodist Church are preaching forgiveness.
“We just want to love all people. … We are a church; we are loving people and we love our community and we want it to be safe. We do forgive you. We hope that you find it in your heart not to do this again,” said Linda Hogue, a member of Lawrence United Methodist Church.
Anyone with information about these thefts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 327-262-TIPS.
(Photo via WISH-TV.)
