Vandalism at Santa Rosa Church: Two Teenagers Arrested
A shocking act of vandalism took place at the Santa Rosa Bible Church in northeast Santa Rosa on Saturday, with two teenagers suspected of causing thousands of pounds in damages. The incident, which involved the destruction of property and disgusting acts of defecation and urination, has been condemned by the Santa Rosa Police Department.
According to the Press Democrat, the two suspects, aged 14 and 15, and described as cousins, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of burglary and vandalism. The boys, who were not identified due to their minor status, are believed to have entered the church through an unlocked door and proceeded to wreak havoc on the property.
The Press Democrat reports that the teenagers threw items around, broke a toilet in a bathroom, and defecated on the bathroom floor, and urinated on the gymnasium floor. The vandalism also extended to outside the church, where a new children’s play structure was damaged.
Sgt. Patricia Seffens of the Santa Rosa Police Department told the Press Democrat that there is no indication that either of the teenagers attends or is a member of the church, which is located at the corner of Badger and Wallace roads. The younger cousin lives nearby, while the other suspect was visiting from Danville, near Walnut Creek.
The Press Democrat reports that a church staffer discovered the vandalism at around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, and it is believed that the incident occurred on Saturday when no one was around. Investigators were able to identify the suspects from video footage captured by church surveillance cameras.
The Santa Rosa Police Department has urged local youth to avoid participating in similar activity, saying that they have the power to make better choices. In a news release, the police department stated, "You have the power to make better choices. Be the kind of person who lifts up your community — not one who tears it down. We’re here to support you, not just enforce the law. Let’s work together to keep Santa Rosa safe, respectful, and strong."
The church was closed on Monday afternoon, and officials were unavailable for comment. The Press Democrat was able to confirm that the suspects were arrested on Monday, with the younger suspect being apprehended at around 10 a.m. and the other suspect being arrested after his parents drove him back to Santa Rosa.
As reported by the Press Democrat, the incident has caused widespread condemnation, and the police department is working to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Press Democrat will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
Staff Writer Colin Atagi of the Press Democrat contributed to this article.
