He was shirtless when he shattered a glass door to get inside, but deputies say a man who broke into Incarnation Catholic Church in Town ‘N’ Country on Friday night didn’t arrive empty-handed.
According to a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, he brought a bottle of flammable liquid – and poured it on three wooden pews.
Then, he set them on fire.
No one was hurt, and deputies say the man didn’t steal anything.
“While we are unsure of his motive, it is clear he had no respect for private property or a sacred place of worship,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We promise this church community we are doing everything we can to capture this suspect and ensure he is held accountable for his actions.”
To that end, deputies are hoping someone will recognize the fire-starter from the church’s surveillance video.
Anyone with information that can lead to an arrest is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8118.