A Springfield man is facing charges after police say surveillance cameras captured him breaking into Wake Up the World Ministries and stealing guitars, a speaker, and money.
According to the Bellefontaine Police Department report, the church reported the break-in on Monday after discovering a broken window in the pastor’s office.
Officers cleared the building but did not find anyone inside.
Church surveillance footage showed Charles Bray, 43, of Springfield, entering through a rear garage door at about 2:10 a.m.
Police say Bray left about 18 minutes later carrying what appeared to be two guitars.
Investigators say Bray returned several times throughout the early morning hours, entering different areas of the building.
Church members later confirmed that guitars were missing from the stage area, along with an Austin electric guitar and a JBL Bluetooth speaker.
Money was also reportedly taken from an envelope in the pastor’s office.
Police say Bray was captured on video wearing a red-and-white hat, dark gray coat, black sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and red shoes.
Investigators also recovered a hammer and scraper from the church.
Police say the video shows Bray using the scraper to try to pry open doors, while the hammer appeared to have been used to break the pastor’s office window.
Investigators then learned Bray could be staying at a residence on East Columbus Avenue.
Officers went to the home and found Bray inside a bathroom.
Police say a Squier bass guitar and guitar case were visible near a washer and dryer.
Investigators found clothing matching what Bray was wearing in the surveillance video, along with red shoes, a red backpack, a JBL speaker, a Squier bass guitar, and a guitar case.
Police say an Austin electric guitar was found inside the case.
Bray was taken into custody and lodged in the Logan County Jail on breaking and entering and theft charges.
