Churches across Clarksville damaged in vandalism spree

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - At least half a dozen churches across Clarksville and Montgomery County have been vandalized this week. Police believe it’s all the work of one man causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Pastor Stewart Salyer said he got to Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church to find their van’s window had been knocked out on Tuesday night. Police told us at least six other churches had similar things happen.

“That kind of told me that something more was going on than just us and our bus,” Salyer said.

At each location, the same white Kia Forte was spotted on surveillance cameras. They said it’s one man who doesn’t steal anything or go inside.

“Up at the front of the church where they could have gotten in easily - they didn’t touch it at all. So it became evidence pretty quickly that they weren’t trying to get into the church,” Salyer said, “It’s a mystery to me. It really is.”

The Clarksville Police Department said they’re not investigating it as not a hate crime because it’s across different denominations and doesn’t include graffiti. Salyer said he’s ok with that.

“I would hate to see someone charged with something serious like a hate crime for breaking a window. I would hope that really doesn’t happen,” Salyer said.

Instead - despite having to get the window fixed – he’s not even holding a grudge.

“This person doesn’t realize the depth of what he’s doing. And so absolutely, we forgive him for what he’s done. And we hope that he can get some help,” Salyer said.

In total, the damage to all of these churches will cost more than $9,000 to fix.

“Anyone with information or additional video footage is asked to please contact Detective LaJoie at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5744, or Sergeant Inman with MCSO at (931) 648-0611 ext. 13414, TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD call the Clarksville Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Tipsline 931-645-8477, or go online and submit a tip at //P3tips.com/591,” CPD said.