2 Suspects Sought In Separate Burglaries Of 3 Churches, YMCA

GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have asked for the public's help in identifying two men wanted in connection with the separate burglaries of three churches and a YMCA.

Video surveillance captured a heavy-set suspect on Sept. 7 tampering with doors at a YMCA, located at 140 N Louise Street, the Glendale Police Department said.

According to police, the suspect ransacked two offices at the location and stole a $1,600 Fender guitar, loose change and $300 in candy.

An employee then confronted the man and asked him to leave.

"I play music for my church and other places and I got a lot of stories with the guitars and they cost me a lot of money too," George Saikali, the CEO of the YMCA, told KCAL9's Jeff Nguyen.

The next day, the same suspect was again captured on tape, trying to open office doors at the First United Methodist Church on Kenwood Street; no property was taken.

The suspect was described as being between 5-feet, 9-inches to 6-feet tall and weighing between 320 and 360 pounds. He has shaggy black hair and a mustache or goatee.

Police were also seeking another suspect who was wanted in connection with the burglary of two La Crescenta churches in late-March.

Video footage captured the man forcing open doors and stealing from the L.A. Christian Church and neighboring Central Christian Church.

The pastor of Central Christian Church said the man stole money that had been donated to a senior citizen lunch program.

"It just made us angry that someone would take senior citizens donations for their luncheons," Greg Davis told Nguyen.

Davis said parishioners have to now lock-up their purses just to attend service.

"It's not only the loss of physical items that can be replaced. It's the idea that our safety is no longer ensured," he said.

The suspect was believed to be between 30 to 40 years old. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. Police said he is bald with a heavy build.

Anyone with information on either suspect should contact the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-2097.