Church van stolen, abandoned to rising flood waters; thief’s identity sought

Richland County authorities released surveillance video of a man trying to break into the Haskell Heights Progressive Baptist Church on Townsend Street sometime between October 4 and 6th. Although he didn’t get in, he did damage the door in the attempt and returned October 11th and stole a church van, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said in a news release.

Rising floor waters blocked his getaway, Lott said. The van was found abandoned in the middle of Heyward Brockington Road, about a mile from the church.

The thief is described as a black male about 5’ 9” tall with short hair and a thick dark mustache. In the video he is wearing a light colored t-shirt, blue jeans and baseball cap.

If you have information that can help authorities identify the man, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC ; Text “TIPSC plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 5:28 PM.