Arrests made in string of hate crimes against Anne Arundel County churches
BALTIMORE -- Police announced arrests in a string of thefts, vandalism, destruction and burglaries against churches in Anne Arundel County this month, police said Thursday.
The suspects are charged with hate crimes, and one of them is accused in multiple incidents.
Jarren Alexander, a 24-year-old from Annapolis, has been charged in connection with incidents at Fowler United Methodist Church and St. Phillips Episcopal Church.
"Any perpetrators who think that a place of worship is a place to express their hate should learn that justice will prevail," said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. "They will track you down."
Officers responded on June 9 at 9 a.m. to Fowler United Methodist Church, where they found a broken window and significant damage to the interior of the church. The damage was estimated to be $100,000.
"I cannot dare explain when I arrived to my church where have pastored since 2012 and I've never seen a church in such disarray and so much pain in a room," said Rev. Jerome Jones, pastor of Fowler United Methodist Church.
The next day, a church sign was destroyed at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. Three days later, statues at the same church were vandalized.
Police said Alexander was identified Wednesday with the "assistance of an astute patrol officer." He is being held without bail.
"That astute midnight officer that had gone out to a trespassing complaint, and made an arrest and remembered the case and its proximity to where the trespassing occurred, and made that connection in his mind," Anne Arundel County Police Cpl. Chris Anderson said.
Alexander is also under suspicion of vandalizing Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, where church signs were vandalized and flower beds were destroyed.
Twin brothers Blake Krenzer, 19, and Brandon Krenzer, 19, of Gambrills have been charged for alleged involvement in the vandalism of the Black Lives Matter and Pride signs at the Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church.
Officers responded to the Odenton church on the morning of June 14, where they found the vandalized signs. An investigation revealed the vandalism had happened around 10 p.m. the previous evening.
Police said the Krenzers were identified with the help of the public.
"Within 30 minutes of posting surveillance images on our social media, several community members came forward with tips that led to arrests in those cases," Deputy Police Chief Katie Roberts said. "These are amazing examples of community policing."
