Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who broke into the “poor box” earlier this month at a Chestnut Hill church.
Investigators said the burglary happened at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, located near the corner of Germantown and Chestnut Hill avenues.
Surveillance footage released Tuesday shows the suspect walking in front of the altar and Advent wreath. In the video, he appears to be holding something in his hand, possibly a screwdriver or other tool.
Police said a priest was in his second-floor bedroom on the property when he heard a loud noise coming from the church entrance. He came down to the worship space and spotted the man breaking into the collection box, according to the PPD.
When the suspect saw the priest, he fled the building and headed north on Germantown Avenue, authorities added.
Law enforcement officials described the offender as a bald Black man who was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers at the time of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PPD’s Northwest Detective Division 215-686-3353/3354 or call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Representatives from Our Mother of Consolation did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
