‘A sad situation': Pastor speaks after break-in attempt at Miami church

A pastor is speaking out after Miami Police said a suspect tried to break into a Liberty City church early Wednesday.

The break-in attempt happened at Mt. Gilead Community Baptist Church on Northwest 69th Street.

Investigators said when the suspect couldn’t get inside they broke in to a church bus that was parked outside.

Pastor Patrick Bolden said the suspect tried to steal the radio before police arrived.

“It’s a sad situation, honestly, because with this particular church, it’s been here since 1958, it’s been here for years in this community, we’ve done a lot in this community,” Bolden said. “It’s just sad how people have no respect for God’s house anymore. It’s very sad.”

Bolden said just hours earlier, church members had been there for Bible study.

“We’re a small church. We’re loving people. We don’t have a lot of money. We’re just a couple of people getting together to love God, love our community, and doing the best we can,” he said.

Bolden believes the suspect, who he saw on camera, may have been targeting valuable equipment inside the church.

“Thank God he was unsuccessful in that goal,” he said.

Police said the suspect ran off when officers arrived. A perimeter was set up but he was not found.

“We need to get back to the point of sticking together, watching out for one another, become that loving neighborhood again,” Bolden said. “So, my advice, my plea, and my prayer here is we come together as a community again and stick together.”

Police are still searching for the suspect.