Man caught on camera throwing Bricks at Watsonville church, causing $10K in Damage

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A historic church in Watsonville was targeted in an act of vandalism once again, leaving the community heartbroken.

The latest incident occurred at St. Patrick’s Parish Church on Main Street last Friday, with security footage capturing the shocking moment a man threw large bricks through the church’s stained-glass windows.

The incident took place while three people were inside the church, though fortunately, no one was hurt.

Surveillance video shows the suspect throwing bricks multiple times at the window. Earlier footage shows the man sitting on the porch of the church, before later engaging in some kind of altercation.

"I just came last night with my son to come to Mass, and it's just like, from one moment to another, and just in disbelief why do these people do this," Jaime Heredia said.

Father Jason, the pastor of St. Patrick’s, released a statement.

“A vandal broke our stained-glass window of the Resurrection of Jesus because he seemed upset at God, which hurts our community. Please pray for him and for anyone that crosses his path so that he does no further harm,” Father Jason said. He also noted that in the last six years, the parish has suffered vandalism causing $4 million in damage, including damages to the church and its insurance costs."

Unfortunately, this is not the first time St. Patrick’s Church has been targeted. Over the years, the church has been subjected to multiple acts of vandalism, leaving many in the community questioning why this church continues to be targeted.

“Unfortunately, our officers have responded to Saint Patrick's Church in the past for other reports of vandalism, so this isn't the first time that the church has been targeted,” Michelle Pulido, the Public Information Officer for the City of Watsonville said.

“I want to say a couple of years ago, they vandalized inside and now again, outside of the church," Heredia said. "I don't know what's going on with the community. It's just sad to see,” Heredia said.

The ongoing vandalism has left many in the community questioning.

"I hope they find him, and, I just hope this doesn't happen again," Heredia said. "You know, it's just sad to see, especially here at church."

The police investigation is still ongoing, and police are asking the community if they recognize the suspect or have any information to please contact the detectives at 831-471-1151.