Thieves Steal $50,000 Bronze Jesus Statue From California Church
Police are searching for two suspects who used an electric cutting tool to remove the valuable statue.
Santa Ana police are seeking two individuals suspected of stealing a $50,000 bronze statue of Jesus from Christ Our Savior Catholic Church. The theft occurred around 2 a.m. on August 30 at the church located at 2000 W. Alton Ave.
According to a statement from the Santa Ana Police Department, the two suspects arrived with a bag and an electric cutting tool. They proceeded to cut down the statue, leaving only its feet behind. The suspects then transported the statue across the church property towards Segerstrom High School, where authorities believe a getaway vehicle was waiting. They loaded the statue into the vehicle and fled the scene.
This incident follows a similar event at the same church in April, where other suspects allegedly stole parts of a different bronze statue. In that case, the thieves also used a cutting tool and caused thousands of dollars in damage to the church’s property, including its wooden fence panels.
The theft of the Jesus statue is part of a broader trend of bronze thefts reported in Orange County. In February, a Long Beach resident was arrested in connection with the theft of bronze plaques from multiple locations across the county. That individual faced charges including grand theft and felony vandalism.
Christ Our Savior Catholic Church was established in 2005 and holds five Sunday Masses.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the theft of the Jesus statue to contact Detective R. Wilson at 714-245-8551 or via email at [email protected].