WEST COVINA >> Police are looking for the man they believe vandalized two churches early Saturday with spray-painted Bible verses and other phrases.
Surveillance video from St. Christopher Catholic Church, 629. S Glendora Ave., showed a man in dark clothing, a mask and a hooded sweatshirt spray painting windows, statues and pavement at around 4 a.m. on Saturday.
“Unfortunately the person’s face is not visible,” Cpl. Rudy Lopez said. “It’s a long shot if anyone can ID the person.”
The suspect painted references to Bible verses and several phrases, including “bow down to Jehovah,” “Inferior God,” “Worthless,” and “Carve Image,” Lopez said. Authorities said they’re investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Lopez said a grounds keeper reported the crime to West Covina Police just after 11 a.m. on Saturday.
While on patrol Monday to check on other churches in the city, officers also found a sign with similar graffiti in front of West Covina Christian Church, 1100 E Cameron Ave., Lopez said.
Police have no further details on the second incident, Lt. David Lee said.
Detectives are still gathering information on both cases to see if there is a link between them, Lee said. He called the graffiti incidents “unusual.”
West Covina police are also contacting area law enforcement agencies to see if similar incidents have been reported, Lopez said.
Anyone with information on either incident has been asked to call the West Covina Police Department at 626 939-8557. Tips may be left anonymously.
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