ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A St. Clair Shores church is dealing with a string of break-ins that have left the building damaged, covered in graffiti and in need of major repairs.
The Church of the Living God, located at 19800 Frazho St. near I-94, has been hit multiple times in the past year.
Pastor Tony Hines says police have identified suspects in connection with the most recent incidents, but he’s worried it’ll happen again.
Pastor: ‘It just keeps happening’
The first incident happened about two months ago, when suspects broke in through two back doors — busting them off their hinges.
During that same break-in, Hines says the intruders threw fire extinguishers onto the roof.
The damage has since caused water leaks, mildew and fallen ceiling tiles throughout the building.
“We feel like we’ve been violated more than once,” Hines said. “We feel like there is no end to this. It just keeps happening, and every time it is escalating.”
Second break-in: Graffiti, ransacked kitchen
The most recent incident happened last week. Hines says vandals spray-painted graffiti throughout the school — covering classrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
“They sprayed graffiti all over our school, our school bathrooms, in our school hallways,” Hines said. “We also found out that they had taken stuff out of our food pantry and was cooking food right in our kitchen.”
Police identified suspects in both incidents, but it’s not clear if they are connected.
$158,000 renovation — now damaged
The timing could not have been worse. The church completed a $158,000 renovation of the school.
“The tiles, the paint, the floor. All of this was brand new,” Hines said.
Church of the Living God moved to its current location three years ago and has worked to build ties with the surrounding community. It runs a food pantry program every other Thursday and hosts an annual back-to-school event, giving away backpacks and school supplies to local families.
“We are doing things to progressively connect with the community, and this is really a disconnect here,” Hines said.
Hines says he has his own suspicions about why the church keeps being targeted, but a motive has been released by police.
Church vows to stay, steps up security
Despite the damage, Hines says his congregation is not going anywhere.
“We’ve kind of had a hard row to hoe since we got here,” Hines said. “Our faith is what keeps us here. Our belief in God is what keeps us here, and whatever anyone else is doing – that’s on them.”
The church has already installed new doors and plans to add security cameras and potentially hire full-time security.
St. Clair Shores police confirmed they are aware of the situation, but did not provide more details.
Those looking to help the church with cleanup and roof repair costs can reach out here.