Cops Catch Would-Be Burglars At Vacant Vernon Church On Sunday

Editor's note: One person's name has been removed from this article, as the charges against them were dismissed.

VERNON — Four would-be burglars tried to conduct their own services at a vacant Vernon church on Sunday, police said.

According to police, the foursome noticed through social media channels that the Sacred Heart Church building on Route 30 was vacant. The men then boarded a vehicle, left the greater New York City area, stopped at Walmart, bought a hammer and went to the church.

They were then caught in the act of breaking into the building by a patrol officer at 4:16 p.m., police said.

The four arrested were:

• Kenando Mellani, 19, of Brooklyn, NY. He was charged with possession of burglary tools, criminal attempt at second-degree trespass, third-degree criminal trespass and third-degree criminal mischief.
• Anson Chin, 20, of Buffalo, NY. He was charged with attempted second-degree criminal trespass and third-degree criminal trespass.
• [Name removed] of Flushing, NY. They were charged with attempted second-degree criminal trespass and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Shreyansh Prithani, 18, of Edison, NJ. He was charged with attempted second-degree criminal trespass, third-degree criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal trespass.

The pyramid-like structure has been vcacant for years. A for sale sign recently popped up on the sidewalk along Route 30 in front of the property.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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