County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas joined Los Angeles police detectives and others Wednesday in asking the public for help in locating those who vandalized two South Los Angeles churches.
Jointed by LAPD Capt. Robert Green, commanding officer of the 77th Street Police Station, and others, Ridley-Thomas declared that "We simply cannot tolerate houses of worship being open targets of this type of mean-spirited vandalism in our communities."
The board approved Ridley-Thomas' request to post a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
On Feb. 8, the St. Mark United Methodist Church at 8305 S. Gramercy Place, near 83rd Street, was vandalized and burglarized.
A stained glass window was shattered and several walls and a cross were spray painted with obscenities and graffiti and chemical fire extinguishers were sprayed inside the church.
Damage was estimated at more than $21,000.
On March 7, the Church of Scientology Community Center at 8039 S. Vermont Ave., near 81st Street, was vandalized with hate messages and other graffiti.
Although there are a few leads, Ridley-Thomas said he hopes the reward will generate new information.
