Vandals Trash Brighton Church, Destroy Painting Of Pope
BOSTON (CBS) --- Police are searching for answers after a Brighton church was vandalized by three teenagers.
Police say sometime between 3 p.m. on November 23 and 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 25, the teens damaged three doors and broke into Our Lady Of Presentation Church on Washington Street.
Residue from two fire extinguishers was found all over the church floors. A portrait of Pope John XXIII was found on the second floor, cut up and defaced with phrases such as "Devil's Star," "(Expletive) God" and "Scooby Doo."
The church organ was destroyed and a gold crucifix was removed from the altar and placed near the front entrance.
An alarm transmitter and a window were also damaged.
Officers found a bag of Tostito chips, a container of Pringles, a bottle of Sprite, a water bottle, and a half empty bottle of Italian wine at the scene.
St. John's Seminary owns the church and uses the building as a lecture hall and rectory.
The seminary released the following statement Monday:
"Recently Our Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall was vandalized. The building and the former rectory are assets of Saint John's Seminary.
Surveillance cameras recorded individuals breaking into the building. A copy has been provided to the police.
The building is secure at this time and the police are conducting a full investigation in hopes of catching those responsible."
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call District D-14 (Brighton) detectives at 617-343-4256.
