Arlington police still seeking suspects for vandalism, attempted theft of church vehicles

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Police Department still has no suspects for the vandalism and attempted theft of a church truck, bus and trailer on Saturday, March 6.

City of Arlington spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said police are looking to charge vandals who broke into both vehicles and the trailer, which belong to The Point Church in Arlington, with malicious mischief and attempted vehicle theft after officials responded to church members' 911 call Saturday morning.

The van and trailer are used by church members to feed homeless men and women in Everett each Saturday, said church pastor Mike Zachman.

Vandals opened up food staples, threw those items around the inside of the trailer and truck, discharged fire extinguishers and attempted to steal the vehicles some time between 10 p.m. on Friday, March 5, and 5:30 a.m., Saturday.

"They not only damaged the steering column of the truck, all the food was on the floor, and they tried to light it on fire," Zachman said. "We believe that the Lord protected us. It could have been very ugly if other buildings caught on fire."

Approximately $500-$600 worth of food was ruined in the converted box truck, and outside compartments of both vehicles, including the truck's trailer hitch, were also damaged, Zachman said.

The church's 42-person coach bus was also hit, but not as badly as the truck, he said.

"Fortunately they didn't know much about engines," Zachman said. "It's harder to destroy."

A few pots and pans were salvaged from the truck and trailer, Zachman said.

So far, a number of organizations and community members have offered to help pay for or repair the damages. Residents have donated funds through church's Web site or stopped by The Point Church to drop off checks in person, the pastor said.

"A number of people have responded," Zachman said. "We had one guy come in and drop off a check off the street."

The Arlington Police Department is still seeking information about the case. Residents can call police at 360-403-3400.

To donate funds or contact the church, community members can call 360-435-1616 or visit www.thepointchurch.net.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.

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