Layton police investigate vandalism at churches


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Four churches were vandalized in northern Utah over the weekend, and that has brought feelings of hurt and disappointment from residents.

Layton police say all four churches were in roughly the same area. The addresses of the churches hit are:

  • 2025 E. Antelope Dr.
  • 1290 N. Church St.
  • 60 W. Gordon Ave.
  • 2160 W. Gordon Ave.

The damage at three of the buildings was discovered yesterday, damage at the fourth was found this morning. In all cases a BB gun had been used. All of the churches had glass windows or doors shattered with obvious signs of a bullet hole.

The Layton Police Department first responded to the vandalism Sunday morning as people were making their way into church. Police say they believe all of the churches were shot sometime between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

Neighbors who attended services at these churches say this vandalism is frustrating.

Julie Olsen said, "It makes you feel violated, like this is our safe sanctuary that our kids are here. It's probably a bad group of kids doing it, I would think. It's too bad that they would have to do that and make that choice."

Bill Campbell said, "It's really sad because it costs money. The destruction of property is just not good, it's not the way we live in America."

All four churches are relatively close to one another in the Layton area. Police say it appears the person responsible solely targeted LDS churches; however, Layton police won't call it a hate crime, due to the lack of evidence.

Layton Police Lt. Quinn Moyes said, "As people were coming, there was a lot of speculation that this might be a hate crime. That it might be associated with Prop. 8 out of California. However, at this point we have no hard evidence to substantiate that it is or is not a hate crime."

Police says there is about $2,000 worth of damage. They say at this time they have no leads or suspect information. They are asking for the public's help. If you have any information, they ask that you call dispatch at 497-8300.

E-mail: spark@ksl.com
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com

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Shara Park and Andrew Adams

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