Police say the man accused of destroying the place of worship was arrested after a short bike pursuit at Baldwin Park.
Baldwin Park Police Station said officers were called to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Saturday for a call to vandalism. Upon arrival, law enforcement found a man in possession of an item believed to have been used during the crime.
The man identified as 24-year-old Louis Garcia of Baldwin Park attempted to avoid police on his bike and incited a short pursuit. He was later stopped and arrested.
The church was targeted three times differently over a 24-hour period, up to the time of the suspect’s arrest. The church windows and statues were extensively damaged during the vandalism, and were repaired for an estimated $19,000.
“Investigators will look into the possible connection to similar cases at other local religious institutions regarding the possible strengthening of hate crimes,” police said in a statement.
It is unclear whether Garcia has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf. Police did not specify the claims the suspect was facing.
Anyone with information about the case is advised to contact the Baldwin Park Police Station Detective Bureau at 626-960-1955.
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