CHEVY CHASE, Md. — The Montgomery County Police Department is investigating a church burglary in Chevy Chase on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
On that day, officers responded to a call at around 11 a.m. which fostered the inspection of the premises. Police say the burglary took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the block of 5400 block of Western Avenue.
Authorities say the suspect broke into the church "and cut sections of copper piping."
Detectives released a photo of the male suspect, and are asking the community to provide relevant information to identify him:
At some point, the suspect reportedly encountered a group of construction workers who were renovating various areas of the church. Police say someone from the construction crew filmed the suspect leaving the scene with "stolen property."
On the scene, Police found objects that served as evidence and got access to the suspect's photo from cell phone footage.
As of now, the suspect is described as a man, in his fifties, with a trimmed beard, medium build, wearing a white construction safety helmet, a reflective yellow/orange vest, a purple t-shirt, gray gloves and carrying a black backpack.
People who know the suspect, or who have seen him, are asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Maryland at: www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the www.p3tips.com link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-8477. Police also welcome tips with information leading to an arrest. Tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000.