Stow Police probe Easter weekend vandalism of church

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by Kristin Casale

Stow Sentry Associate Editor

Stow -- Police are asking for help identifying the person who spray-painted anti-religious messages on Stow Community Church Easter weekend.

According to Stow Police Lt. Rick Myers, the incident took place sometime between March 22 at 3 p.m. and March 23 at 7:45 a.m.

Messages including "Jesus is dead," "Lier cult," and "God hates us all" were sprayed on the church building, sidewalk and wall.

"Footprints in the snow revealed a single person was probably involved," said Myers. "The tracks were followed back to Gottschall [Road], at Silvercrest [Drive], where it appears the person may have left in a vehicle."

Although the church suffered "relatively minor" damage, said The Rev. James Edwards, pastor of the church, "We're concerned there's going to be an escalation of property damage if this continues."

Myers said a similar incident that involved spray-painting anti-religious messages on the church took place in August 2007, but police are unsure whether the two incidents are related, according to the records department.

"There are no suspects at this time," said Myers. "The Stow Police Department is seeking anyone with knowledge of the identity of the person involved or other related information."

Those with information about the incident are directed to call the police department at 330-689-5700.

According to the police records department, the March incident is considered desecration, a fifth-degree felony.

Edwards said a custodian discovered the damage Easter morning. He said March 26 that approximately 80 percent of the graffiti has been removed.

Edwards asked the community to be "vigilant" in helping the church find the person who vandalized the property, saying, "We need their help."

E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917