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Harrisburg Church Says Copper Theft Halts Easter Services as Police Hunt Suspects

Leaders estimate $180,000 in damage to plumbing plus HVAC, leaving the building unusable.

Overview

  • Bethel AME Church, which discovered stripped copper piping and HVAC after Wednesday rehearsal, now pegs the loss at about $180,000.
  • During a Thursday afternoon meeting, Rev. Ouemonde Brangman confronted a man crawling from a hole in the wall and called 911 around 2:23 p.m.
  • Police shut a block of North Fifth Street and used K-9 units and a drone to search for a second suspect.
  • Investigators said they believe they know one suspect’s identity, and no arrests had been announced.
  • With no water, heat or air in the building, the congregation expects to hold Easter services online.