Advertisement

"We are actively interviewing suspects, and we picked up one man, 36, in connection with the break-in of the Attica church," said Lapeer County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Parks. "We're uncertain if he's linked to any other of the break-ins."

County churches have recently been plagued with burglaries. Reported victims are the First United Methodist Church in North Branch, The First Baptist Church in Lapeer, Attica First Baptist Church in Attica Township, the Columbiaville United Methodist Church in Columbiaville, the Deerfield Church of Christ and the Country Christian Church, both in Deerfield Township.

Cash, checks and property were stolen.

"It's disturbing that we're in a situation where people have to resort to this," said Country Christian Church Pastor Roger Keur. "There are some desperate people out there, and unfortunately some bad eggs. This is unsafe when people get into your building."

The First United Methodist Church in North Branch was added to the list when they reported an attempted break-in at their office on Huron Street and Washington Street. It's suspected that culprit was either scared off or unable to pry open the door in a hurry.

"They pried open the east door, and it doesn't look like they got inside," said North Branch Police Chief Bob DeTavernier. "It was on Apr. 2, and this may have been the first one. They used a prying instrument. It's just too much of a coincidence."

First Baptist Church in Lapeer Pastor Andy Burak reported an unwanted intruder in the church basement Apr. 6.

"There was an unidentified person walking around in the basement Sunday night," said Burak. "He was meandering through the rooms in an area where no one has business. He had a full head of white hair."

It's unknown if that break-in is connected to the others. At first police suspected most of the burglaries to be the work of the same thief. Attica First Baptist Church Pastor Nathan Whipple and his wife Abbie Whipple stumbled upon and even spoke to a culprit in the church basement Apr. 5. Nathan woke the man, who pretended to be sleeping and confused. He feigned sickness and said he had to vomit. Nathan, who at first figured he was a homeless intoxicated man, showed him to the bathroom.

"I think he thought there might be a window in there and he could escape," said Nathan. "When he found out there wasn't he ran out the door."

Whipple chased after the man but stopped when he heard Abbie calling him.

"At the time, I didn't know if there was another person inside the church or what," said Nathan. "In retrospect, I wish I'd chased him down and tackled him. I figured he was a man needing a place to sleep."

Nathan and Abbie provided a description and Lapeer County Sheriff's deputy Chad Polmanteer developed a composite of the suspected church burglar.

If you have information, phone Parks at 245-1382.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810)664-0811, ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com