Authorities in Baldwin Park have arrested a man suspected of damaging multiple religious sites across Los Angeles County, including a Catholic church that was repeatedly targeted.
According to the Baldwin Park Police Department, officers responded to reports of vandalism early Saturday morning at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. When they arrived, they spotted the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Luis Garcia of Baldwin Park, who attempted to flee on a bicycle. After a short pursuit, officers took him into custody.
Investigators say Garcia was in possession of items believed to have been used in the acts of vandalism. Authorities also linked him to previous incidents through video evidence.
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Police revealed that St. John the Baptist Catholic Church had been vandalized three times in the 24 hours leading up to Garcia’s arrest. The damage, which primarily involved religious statues and windows, is estimated at approximately $19,000.
Detectives are now looking into whether Garcia is connected to similar crimes at other religious institutions. Officials noted that the case may be considered for a hate crime enhancement.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the case for potential felony vandalism charges.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Baldwin Park Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 626-960-1955 .
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