Church Burglar Breaks In, Steals Van: Gwinnett Police

BUFORD, GA — The Gwinnett County Police Department needs the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect and locating a stolen church van. On the evening of Jan. 16, a suspect was captured on surveillance footage breaking into the Salt and Light Church at 4300 South Lee Street in Buford.

He stayed on the property for about 10 hours. Initially he slept on the outdoor heating unit that was emitting steam to keep warm, according to police. The next morning, he used a sledgehammer to break into the church. Prior to fleeing the location, he stole clothing, red headphones and a 15-passenger van.

The suspect is described as a white man with tattoos on his right arm.

The van is a grey 2008 Chevrolet Express van with “Salt & Light Presbyterian Church” decals on both sides. The van is still listed as stolen.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visitwww.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case Number: 18-005731

Videos and photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department