SAN ANTONIO — Suspected burglars were caught on camera stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment from a church currently under construction on the city's north side.
Church leaders at Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel off Jackson Keller Road said it happened Sunday, Mar. 25 around 4:30 a.m.
They say they had installed security camera but did not realize the cameras were actually turned on. Fortunately, the video captures two suspects.
Assistant Pastor Isaac Gallegos said one of their workers had been staying at the church and called him when he heard two people break into the building.
“He got scared but he held the door down, gave me a call, I came out here and called the police, but it took around two hours for them to get here,” Gallegos said.
He said the suspects got away from more than $5,000 worth of tools and equipment.
“They might’ve taken our tools but not our morale,” Gallegos said. “Thanks be to God that he is our strength.”
Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel has been in San Antonio for 12 years but was renting a space off Vance Jackson Road. Just this year, the church purchased the building off Jackson Keller Road and has been working on renovations ever since.
That work never stopped, despite the thefts.
“On Monday, we were not going to work but the pastor said no, we’re going to finish up, nobody’s going to stop our work,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos said while it is disheartening what happened, he forgives the suspected burglars and is praying for them.
“If you are watching this right now, we are here to help you, this is not the way to do it,” He said.
The church is hopeful insurance will cover the loss. They plan to open up the new location on Jun. 1. If you recognize the suspects, call SAPD.