Police looking for individuals responsible for vandalism at Edmonton church
Posted October 31, 2024 1:04 pm.
Edmonton police are looking for a man and a woman who are believed to be involved in a series of mischief incidents and an arson at a church in central Edmonton.
EPS says the Holy Rosary Church near 114 Avenue and 106 Street had been vandalised on two separate days in September. Additionally, its nativity display was set on fire in December 2023.
Police says around 2 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2023, a man reportedly lit the church’s nativity display on fire before fleeing the scene on foot.
“Church community members have told us that the nativity display was handcrafted by a parishioner decades ago, and is culturally significant,” says Acting Sgt. Cydney Ross, with the EPS Hate Crimes Unit, which is leading the investigation.
“Due to its unique nature, the display was irreplaceable, and had sentimental value to the church community.”
EPS says around 9 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2024, a man and a woman approached the church, and allegedly damaged a security camera, before they were startled by a vehicle, and fled the scene.
The man was described as around 30-years-old, with dark hair, thin facial hair, and tattoos on both forearms. At the time, he was smoking a cigarette at the time, and was wearing glasses, a black and white jacket, knee-length jean shorts, a black and white Louis Vuitton logo ball cap, and a thick gold chain.
The woman was described as having shoulder-length brown hair, and was wearing a pink ball cap, a jean vest, and grey jeans with ripped knees. She was also carrying a brown purse and black tote bag.
Two days later, the church was targeted again, this time around 4 a.m., when a man spray painted the church’s statue of Pope John Paul with the word “burn”.
The man in this incident was described as tall, with a medium build. At the time he was wearing a medical mask, grey hoodie, navy blue jacket, grey pants with a wide black stripe on the upper portion of the pants, black runners, and yellow leather work gloves, and was carrying a white can of spray paint.
“The cumulative effect of these events has resulted in the church and surrounding community feeling unsafe, particularly the residents who live at the rectory on site, as well as the occupants and users of the neighbouring convent and daycare building,” adds Acting Sgt. Ross.
Police do note that it is unclear if it is the same man who was involved in both incidents in September.
Anyone who may have any information is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
