A suspect is being sought after an alleged hate crime inside a Queens church disrupted a place of worship and prompted a police appeal for public help.
Queens, NY – A man is wanted after entering a Catholic church in Queens and carrying out what police are investigating as a hate crime involving theft and damage to religious property. The incident occurred late Saturday morning and targeted key elements of the church interior, according to authorities.
Police said the unidentified individual entered the church, located at 45-50 245 Street, at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Once inside, the suspect poured a drink into the baptismal font, removed an undisclosed amount of money from a donation box, and took a cloth from the altar before leaving the location.
The NYPD has classified the case as a hate crime and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday.
Investigation ongoing as police seek suspect
The incident was first detailed in a public alert issued by NYPD Crimestoppers, which urged anyone with information to come forward. The alert outlined the sequence of actions inside the church but did not provide a description of the suspect.
“This incident is being investigated as a hate crime,” the NYPD said in its public notice, adding that the suspect remains unidentified.
Key Points
- Suspect entered Queens Catholic church Saturday at approximately 11:45 a.m.
- Baptismal font tampered with, donation money taken, altar cloth removed
- NYPD investigating as hate crime; public urged to submit tips
Public urged to provide tips
Officials are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact authorities through multiple channels. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may assist investigators in identifying and locating the individual responsible.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS,” the department said. “The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or on X @NYPDTips.”
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
