Hinsdale Man Locked Out Of House, Breaks Into Church: Cops

HINSDALE, IL – A 21-year-old Hinsdale man who was locked out of his house ended up breaking into a local church at least twice, police said.

Zachary G. Gilbert, who lives in the 5800 block of South Grant Street, was arrested March 1 on charges of felony criminal damage to a place of worship and misdemeanor criminal trespassing.

Patch obtained the police report through a public records request.

On Feb. 28, local officers were called to Hinsdale Fil-Am Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 9 E. 59th St. A stranger had been seen inside the church, police said.

A church representative told police that cigarette butts were found in the pastor's office a few days earlier, but did not know why they were there.

A camera showed Gilbert inside the church for several hours the morning of Feb. 28, police said. Officers said they found pry marks on two windows in the treasurer's office. And two screwdrivers were discovered in the landscaping outside a broken window, police said.

A day later, police were called again to the church about 8:30 p.m. An officer heard rustling in the bushes, and then Gilbert ran away from the officer, police said.

Gilbert, who had a black pry bar, stopped upon the officer's order, according to the report. The officer reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol from Gilbert.

Two Bud Light beer cans – one open, one unopened – were found inside the church, police said.

Police said one window appeared to have been pried out and was hanging off the frame.

When an officer handcuffed Gilbert, the suspect complained of a wrist injury, but the officer said the cut appeared to be old, police said.

Police said they later found out that Gilbert's mother locked him out of the house for being out too late. So Gilbert cut his hand breaking a basement window trying to get back in, according to the report.

In the treasurer's office, officers found a backpack that contained a hammer and large screwdrivers.

Gilbert chose to remain silent and invoked his right to an attorney.

Gilbert was taken to the hospital, where he was released.