Bellevue police arrest church burglar

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police have arrested a man for vandalizing two Bellevue churches.

Police arrested a 23 year-old man who they say was seen on surveillance video damaging Bellevue Christian Reformed Church in the 1200 block of 148th Avenue Northeast on March 10.

According to investigators, Dallas Hodges broke into the church twice on the same day. Police say he broke glass windows and stole various items around the church, including the surveillance cameras. But before he stole the cameras, police say he was caught on video.

Bellevue police shared the burglar’s picture from the surveillance video with patrol officers. A few days later, a Bellevue officer recognized Hodges; investigators say he was walking down the street wearing the same clothing he had on during the burglaries.

Detectives executed a search warrant on the Airbnb where Hodges was living and recovered the stolen property.

Investigators say they also recovered items linking Hodges to the burglary and vandalism of Overlake Park Presbyterian Church on March 5.

The damage at Overlake Park Presbyterian was about $50,000. The burglar tipped over the piano and audio equipment, stole their listening devices, and covered the sanctuary with residue from fire extinguishers.

"We don't really know why and for me that creates some sadness," said Pastor Becki Barrett of Overlake Park Presbyterian, "More than anything there's some grief and sadness for us that there are people who have a negative experience of faith or who wouldn't see us as a resource, but would see us as a threat or something that could cause harm, that's the opposite of what our hope would be."

Pastor Barrett said she'd like the suspect to do community service at the church or come to a service to see what the church community could to do help him with his possible "brokenness."

The churches increased their security measures.

Pastor Barrett said Overlake Park Presbyterian was able to get back the listening devices and the painting.

Hodges is charged with burglary and malicious mischief. According to charging documents, he told police he blacked out and didn't remember being in a church.

Cox Media Group