ST. MARY, Mo. – Police are searching for the suspects that broke into and stole from dozens of cars in Ste. Genevieve County.
In one case the burglary ended in a shootout and the other targeted people while they were at church.
Sunday morning, while dozens of churchgoers at St. Joseph Catholic Church were inside worshipping, Father Jeff Knight said thieves broke into their cars.
“We had maybe 25 to 30 cars that were parked up here on our top lot. Whoever they were they vandalized about 20 cars and broke the window of about six I think to get in,” Knight said.
Knight said after service members came out and caught two men in the act messing with cars. That’s when the members yelled at them and the suspects took off.
Major Jason Schott with the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office said deputies think those thieves are linked to a similar incident that took place overnight.
It happened in the 1000 block of Circle Drive less than 10 miles from the church. Police said a victim confronted the suspects outside his home. One of the suspects fired at the man and then he returned fire.
“We consider these individuals and the public should to as armed and dangerous,” Schott said.
Father Knight said although vehicles were damaged and items were stolen, it's the scene of peace members feel they were robbed of. But, they still plan to find it in their hearts to forgive.
“If we're not able to be people of forgiveness we've succumbed to a level of not much better than those who are perpetrating the violence in the first place,” Knight said.
Witnesses at the church gave deputies a license plate. They described the car as a red Mercedes with Illinois plates.
If you any information that could help investigators call 573-883-5215.
