JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is on the hunt for a suspect officers say broke into Wayside Assembly of God last Friday.
Pastor Wade Mask said the man broke into one of the windows Friday night and took off with an old amp. The suspect was caught in the act by security cameras inside and outside of the church.
”You don’t have to break in. I don’t think you have to break into any church, you just have to say ‘I need some help’ and they’ll do what they can,” Pastor Mask said.
Because the amp was old, it wasn’t worth much Mask said. ”Equipment can be replaced but I don’t want him to hurt someone.”
Security footage shows the suspect holding what appears to be a pipe in one hand and Mask said the man used a large knife to break cut through the window.
"You don't have to break in." The pastor of a Dinsmore church says they would've helped this man if he just asked. Now @JSOPIO is looking for the suspected burglar. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/iTU3Cr97PI
— Robert Grant (@RobertANJax) August 26, 2021
The church is located on New Kings Road. In a post on Facebook, JSO said the suspect took off into the woods nearby.
The pastor said they’ve had a run-in with thieves before. About a year ago, a suspect broke in and got away with several thousand dollars worth of music equipment, which prompted the church to install a security system.
”Churches didn’t have to worry about these things. They left their doors open at one time in this country and people would just come in and pray and never hurt anything,” Pastor Mask said. “Those days are past. The fall of Man.”
The suspect is described as white with tattoos on both arms. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500 or by email at JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
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