Crime & Safety
Police Investigate Catonsville Church Vandalism as Possible Hate Crime
Before the recent break-in and graffiti at an Edmondson Avenue church, police said a rainbow flag was reported stolen from the property.
Catonsville, MD — Authorities say they are investigating a recent report of church vandalism in Baltimore County as a potential hate crime.
Phrases including "Hail Satan," "WTF is Jezus?," "666" and "Death 2 All" were found written on a dry erase board in the music room of Immanuel United Church of Christ, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.
Officials said that the church in the 1900 block of Edmondson Avenue may have been targeted for its acceptance of homosexuality.
Find out what's happening in Catonsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Police are investigating this as a possible bias-related crime because of information provided by the pastor that she believes the church has been victimized before because of its open acceptance of gays and lesbians," the Baltimore County Police Department said in a statement this week.
"The church flies a gay unity flag on its doorstep," the statement said. "Police responded to a previous incident involving theft of this unity flag."
Find out what's happening in Catonsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Church officials reported the recent vandalism to police on Thursday, June 30, after finding the building had been broken into and trashed. Windows were smashed, church pew cushions and other areas had been sprayed with a fire extinguisher, furniture was broken and other items had been strewn about, according to police.
Rev. Bev Lewis told Fox 45 that she found human feces on her desk and candle wax drizzled on the floors of the church, where damage was estimated to be $20,000.
The most recent crimes at the church were believed to have been committed between 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, and 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, June 30.
The church in Catonsville was vandalized two weeks after a gunman opened fire inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people.
There are no suspects in the incidents at Immanuel United Church of Christ, according to police.
In any case, the reverend said that the criminal(s) will not deter the church from carrying on in the spirit of love and tolerance. "We are love on wheels," Lewis told WBAL, "and our wheels aren't stopping."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-307-2020.
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