Police Arrest Man After Church Break-In

Redlands police arrested a man Tuesday in connection with a series of robberies at a church meal program.

Police atteneded a community meal prepared by members of the Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1215 Columbia Street, last week and learned of a number of thefts at the church. Items stolen included a freezer and two griddles, according to a news release.

Upon learning of the thefts, police set up a plan to identify the thief. About 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, officers were alerted to a theft in progress, and were able to identify Leo Ray Perez, 29, of Redlands, as the suspect.

Officers responded to Perez's home, where they found a laptop hidden in a washing machine that was in a locked storage shed at the church, and a tool used to open the shed.

Perez was charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. The freezer and griddles were not located at the residence.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.”