Hunting Park Teen Arrested for Church Break-in, Police Said

Philadelphia Police arrested a 19-year-old Nov. 10 for allegedly breaking into a Roxborough church and taking an $1,800 check, reports said.

Paris R. Washington, from Hunting Park, was apprehended Nov. 10, police said, for allegedly entering the Living Hope Church, 7372 Henry Ave., and attempting to steal a check.

The church's pastor told police he observed Washington and an unknown woman enter the building without permission around 12:20 p.m. He immediately left the church and called police.

As he left the building, he noticed mail discarded and a check missing from an envelope.

When officers arrived, they searched the church and found Washington hiding in the auditorium. Police said they arrested him, and the pastor positively identified him.

The woman had fled.

Police determined Washington entered the church by using a key left outside the property.

Washington faced a preliminary arraignment and was charged with criminal trespass (a felony), defiant trespasser, and criminal mischief. Bail was set at $5,000, which he posted, court records indicate.

In November, court records indicate Washington was also arrested for marijuana possession and stealing a car. The arraignment for the original Roxborough incident was cancelled. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will pursue charges related to the car theft incident, which occurred Nov. 20 also in the Roxborough-Manayunk area.

Bail was set at $5,000, which he did not post, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 6.