Fostoria man charged in church, auto thefts

10/25/2007

FOSTORIA A Fostoria man who police arrested on charges of stealing two cars became a suspect in a break-in at a local church after officers found paint on his clothing and gloves that matched paint discovered on the floor of the ransacked church.

Joseph Caldwell, 20, was charged with receiving stolen property, breaking and entering, and felony vandalism.

A short time after Mr. Cald well s arrest Monday in the parking lot of Seneca Lanes, police received a report of a break-in at the Church of God on West Tiffin Street.

Officers responding to the scene found the pastor s office broken into, a collection box pried open, property thrown around the second floor, and a large amount of paint spilled on the floor.

Police questioned Mr. Caldwell about the break-in. He initially denied involvement, but later admitted his role, police said.