Vandal seen cutting down wooden cross at Mt. Holly church on Easter

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. (WBTV) – Mount Holly Police are looking for the person caught on video vandalizing an area church.

That video at Cornerstone Family Worship Center on Rankin Avenue in Mount Holly shows the vandal using a saw to cut through a 20-foot wooden cross and push it over. They then are seen running across the parking lot, jumping into a waiting car and taking off.

All that was left behind where the cross stood was a stump. It has since been repaired at the base.

The Mount Holly Police Department posted the video on Facebook in the hopes someone will recognize those involved.

Damage to Property
The Mount Holly Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the the person and their accomplice(s) in the posted video of damage to property and ethnic intimidation at the Cornerstone Family Worship Center on Rankin Avenue. At about 12:13AM on Sunday April 9, 2023 a vehicle appears to drive into and out of frame dropping off an individual. The individual runs to the front of the building and appears to use a reciprocating saw to cut and push down a 20 foot wooden cross. The person ultimately runs back to the waiting vehicle where you can hear their voice before the vehicle enters and exits the frame. If you have any information about this crime please contact the Mount Holly Police Department, Officer Helton at 704-827-4343.
Posted by Mount Holly Police Department on Tuesday, April 11, 2023

It happened just after 12 a.m. on Easter Sunday. The vandal was there for about three minutes in total.

The person is seen hiding behind a rock as two different cars approach before ultimately finishing the job and pushing the cross over.

According to Mount Holly Police, one possible charge here is ethnic intimidation.

Police said they are actively investigating the incident, and are “leveraging all resources available to identify and apprehend the subject(s) involved.”

Additionally, patrol officers have been instructed to conduct frequent checks on places of worship.

The FBI has also been contacted to determine if federal charges are appropriate.

Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to call 704-827-4343.

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