Dowagiac Director of Public Safety Tom Atkinson reports that the Dowagiac Police Department has arrested a suspect for several charges stemming from a break-in of a local church.

On Sunday morning, Feb. 13, at approximately 6:17 a.m., city police were dispatched to the former Liberty Chapel at 112 N. Mill St.

Officers were advised that a male subject was breaking windows and making entry into the church.

While enroute, officers were advised that the suspect left the building carrying items and was last seen crossing the street in front of the church.

Officers arrived and observed several broken windows at the church and noted that the interior had been damaged extensively.

Officers were able to track the suspect to a residence across the street and he was located in the residence and taken into custody.

Officers arrested the 20-year-old Dowagiac resident on charges of breaking and entering, damage to property and minor consuming alcohol.

The suspect was lodged at Cass County Jail.

Police withheld his name pending his arraignment in Cass County Fourth District Court.

All charges are pending authorization from the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.

Dowagiac officers was assisted by deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Pokagon Tribal Police Department while investigating this incident.