Caught On Video: Priest Confronts Burglar At South Side Church
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago police are hoping surveillance video helps them catch the man who allegedly punched a priest while burglarizing a church in the Wrightwood neighborhood late Friday night.
Police said, around 11:35 p.m. Friday, a man broke into St. Thomas More Catholic Church, at 81st and California.
When a priest inside confronted the burglar, the suspect punched him in the face.
While that attack was not caught on camera, video from the church shows the priest holding the door to the church closed as the burglar tries to get out. When the burglar yanks the door open, the door appears to hit the priest.
The video then shows the burglar hopping two fences outside the church.
According to the church, the burglar apparently got in by taking out a window air conditioning unit and climbing in the opening. He then apparently handed down several stolen items to an accomplice outside.
The thieves took a television, a laptop, and a computer. The burglar caught inside also stole the priest's wallet, and within an hour was using his credit cards.
Anyone who recognizes the burglar should call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8730, or send a tip to cpdtip.com
Police warned anyone who sees the suspect not to approach him, and instead call 911.