A woman has been arrested after surveillance video caught her toppling a crucifix statue and destroying other religious artwork in a Northern California church.
Watsonville Police said 23-year-old Jackeline Chavira caused at least $15,000 in damages at St. Patrick’s Church.
Police said Chavira went on a rampage Wednesday in which she went into two downtown stores, grabbed a religious statue and broke it. Video showed her walking into the church and pushing the 15-foot crucifix to the floor.
Officers have arrested a 23 y/o woman after going on a vandalism spree that left upwards of $15K in damages at a church. The suspect hit multiple businesses before making her way to St. Patrick’s Church where she caused the most extensive damage ➡️https://t.co/kr6xnlAIMs pic.twitter.com/fA0YYb5Gb9
— Watsonville Police (@WatsonvillePD) February 7, 2019
Police said Chavira then ran next door to a prayer room where she threw another religious statue on the ground and ripped down two large pieces of art.
A witness later spotted her on the street. She was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of vandalizing a place of worship.
