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Man Caught On Camera Vandalizing NoHo Catholic Church

NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles police are looking for a man who vandalized a Catholic church in North Hollywood.

Authorities said the suspect, who was caught on security camera, pushed over several holy statues and vases, as well as damaged paintings, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, which is located at 6153 Cahuenga Boulevard, shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

"This is something that is so important to the community and brings so much value to our spiritual lives," Archdiocese spokeswoman Monica Valencia said. "Just seeing these beautiful statues...[he's] knocking [them] over and breaking [them] like he doesn't even care."

The crime, which caused an estimated thousands in damage, hit close to home for LAPD Officer Tito Mariscal.

"This is my home church, actually. This is where my family and I attend church," he said.

The suspect was described as unshaven. He was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

"The way the video portrays him…he's walking in there like he appears to be under the influence," Mariscal said.

Anyone with information about the crime was asked to call (818) 623-4045.

"If you saw anything, please come forward. It would bring so much peace to the community," Valencia said.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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