A church in Chester Township was vandalized in an apparent protest over an upcoming drag story hour event.
According to a Chester Township Police Department news release, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:05 p.m. March 25 to Community Church of Chesterland, 11984 Caves Road, in reference to property damage and a possible arson complaint.
According to the release, upon arrival officers noted that at least one incendiary had struck the exterior of the church, resulting in minor damage. No portion of the structure appeared to have ignited, however scorching was noted on the exterior.
It was also noted that one of the church signs had been damaged.
Several pieces of evidence were taken from the scene for further processing, according to the release.
The church was unoccupied at the time.
According to a post on the church’s Facebook page, Pastor Jess Peacock said “our sign was destroyed, outdoor light fixtures broken, and Molotov cocktails thrown at the church which houses a pre-school. So they’re obviously ‘thinking of the children.’ We were fortunate that when this hate crime occurred, it was raining, which probably prevented the fire from catching. Small mercies.”
According to a link on the Facebook page, the story hour at 4 p.m. April 1 remains schedule.
Chester Police are working with investigators with multiple agencies. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 440-729-1239 or 440-729-1234.
