Hate crime reported at Queens Catholic church after theft, altar damage

A suspect is being sought after an alleged hate crime inside a Queens church disrupted a place of worship and prompted a police appeal for public help.

Queens, NY – A man is wanted after entering a Catholic church in Queens and carrying out what police are investigating as a hate crime involving theft and damage to religious property. The incident occurred late Saturday morning and targeted key elements of the church interior, according to authorities.

Police said the unidentified individual entered the church, located at 45-50 245 Street, at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Once inside, the suspect poured a drink into the baptismal font, removed an undisclosed amount of mon...