Church break-in suspect in custody

AUSTINTOWN — The man who police said is responsible for at least one of the recent church break-ins is in the custody of Ontario, Ohio police.

Michael C. McCutcheon, 36, of Youngstown, was arrested by Ontario Police Department officers Jan. 20 after a three-day-long string of purse thefts. He said McCutcheon is being held on 10 felony charges, including theft, fleeing and alluding, driving a stolen vehicle and possessing stolen license plates.

Austintown Police Chief Robert Gavalier said his department issued a warrant for McCutcheon on Jan. 12 in connection with the Jan. 2 break-in at Crossroads Church on South Meridian Road. Gavalier said detectives are investigating to see if McCutcheon is tied to a Nov. 4 break-in at Lynkirk Church of Christ on Kirk Road and the break-ins at Highway Tabernacle on South Raccoon Road — one between Nov. 3 and 4 and the second on Dec. 21.