MAPLEWOOD, Minn. – Authorities in Maplewood are conducting an arson investigation after they say someone broke into a church and set part of the building on fire.
According to Maplewood police, they received a report of a burglary at St. Jerome Catholic Church on the 380 block of Roselawn Avenue East around 12:40 a.m. Sunday. The fire alarm had also gone off.
When they arrived, they discovered that someone had entered the building and smoke was coming from inside.
An American flag in the building was set on fire, along with a keyboard in the basement. No one was injured, but smoke and water damage left the church facing tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.
“We are very grateful, and grateful that the damage was so extensive that, even though it was tens of thousands of dollars, no one was injured. The Shrine was not injured. We can still have mass. We can still come together to pray, so we’re very grateful,” said Mery Beth Hess, the church’s music director.
She added that they are a small but mighty church, and they are counting their blessings.
Authorities say it appeared to be an isolated incident that resulted in minor property damage. The cleanup is already underway.
The Maplewood Police Department is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.
Adam Duxter
