Vandals Caused $30K In Damages To Church, Police Say

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – Two teens suspected of vandalizing a church last month were arrested Tuesday.

The duo allegedly broke into Wedgefield Baptist Church, located at 6220 Wedgefield Road in Wedgfield,  between Sunday evening, May 29 and 8 a.m. Tuesday May 31, and sprayed fire extinguishers on the pews, electronics walls and floors.

Red paint had also been poured around the interior and microphones were dipped in the paint, authorities say.

Damages are estimated at nearly $30,000.

Officials say, the two juveniles, ages 14 and 15 years old, were arrested after being caught inside of a Dorsey Drive residence on Tuesday.

A neighbor noticed them inside the home and knew they did not belong there.

Responding deputies found both hiding inside the residence, officials say.

Authorities say the juveniles admitted to breaking into and vandalizing the church after being questioned.

They have been charged with burglary and were released to the custody of their parents.

Due to their age, their names have not been released.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s office last week offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible for the vandalism but it went unclaimed.

“We always felt juveniles were involved because of the damage done to the church,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “The key to solving this case was the diligent work and cooperation between our patrol and investigative divisions. We are proud of their work on this case.”