Police arrest individual for vandalism at Brooklyn Catholic church, damaging religious items.

In a troubling incident on Friday, a man allegedly vandalized St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church located on Eastern Parkway near Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, causing significant damage to several religious artifacts. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Keeonn Wilson, was apprehended shortly after the incident, which occurred around 11:20 a.m. Law enforcement officials indicated that Wilson faces multiple counts of criminal mischief as a result of his actions.

Upon entering the church, Wilson reportedly damaged various religious items, including an incense holder and two candle holders. Church staff quickly alerted the police, who responded to the scene and took Wilson into custody without any further complications. Preliminary estimates suggest that the damage caused by Wilson amounts to approximately ,500.

Following his arrest, Wilson, who resides in South Carolina, was expected to face arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court. As of now, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the vandalism, which leaves questions regarding the reasons behind this disturbing act.

This incident occurs less than a week after law enforcement announced a search for a separate individual involved in a series of vandalism incidents at three churches in Queens. This earlier case involved a suspect draped in an LGBTQ rainbow flag, who allegedly targeted the churches and spray-painted them with graffiti, labeling them as “anti-gay cults.” The suspect in that case was captured on surveillance footage wearing sunglasses and a handkerchief covering his nose and mouth, prompting the NYPD to seek public assistance in identifying him.

The earlier vandalism spree took place in a rapid succession, with incidents reported beginning at 1:40 a.m. on October 5 in Far Rockaway, where all three targeted churches were in close proximity. Those with pertinent information about this investigation are urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, with the assurance that all calls will remain confidential.

As concerns about religious-based vandalism continue to rise, local communities are left grappling with the impact of such acts on their places of worship, calling into question the safety and respect granted to religious institutions.