Congregation of vandalized Ohio church pray for suspect

PIQUA, Ohio (AP) — The congregation of a vandalized western Ohio church had its Sunday services outdoors and prayed for the man charged in the incident.

The Dayton Daily News reports 29-year-old Dustin Connor was charged with felony breaking and entering, theft and vandalism in connection with damage sustained at Snyder Road Church of God in Piqua last week.

Police say Connor stole a laptop computer, discharged six fire extinguishers and caused damage to a large cross and other parts of the church.

Services were under a maple tree on church grounds due to the extensive damage to the building. Pastor Richard Keeran estimates the cleanup will take four to eight weeks.

Police say Connor also is a person of interest in a similar act of vandalism at the Victory Baptist Church in Piqua.