Vandalism at several South Jersey churches under investigation
WOODBURY, N.J. (CBS) -- Authorities are investigating some acts of vandalism at three Catholic church buildings in the Diocese of Camden. Similar descriptions of the suspect were given in the incidents, indicating it may be the same person, police say.
The suspect is in custody and is possibly facing hate crime charges.
"Thank God he didn't decide to do it while people were in the church because that could've really been a bad moment," Father Joseph Szolack, pastor of St. Agnes, said.
Szolack is counting his blessings even though his faith has been tested.
Early Friday, someone threw a brick through the front window of the church on Little Gloucester Road in Blackwood.
"We're grateful no one was hurt. We can replace glass," the pastor said.
A flag pole outside of the church was also set on fire.
Szolack says he was getting ready for morning mass when his maintenance crew alerted him of the vandalism.
Prior to this incident, Saint Patrick's Church in Woodbury was also vandalized. Police say the suspect, Peter Sirolli of Deptford, poured gas on a cross and tried to light it.
A third church in Runnemede was also vandalized.
All the churches are Catholic.
"Not knowing his motive, we have no indication he had a beef with the Catholic church. We're not sure though. Again there's a lot of investigating that has to continue to occur," Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said.
Sirolli was arrested shortly after the incident at Saint Agnes.
Police say he had gasoline and bricks in his possession.
Despite the damage, Szolack says he still held Mass and forgives the suspect.
"We prayed for the person and said we forgive them," he said. "We obviously want to live our Christian principles as much as we possibly can."
The chief said it's possible other churches in South Jersey were also vandalized. He's encouraging church communities to check their grounds and call if anything seems damaged.
