Law enforcement officers are investigating incidents reported at four Johnston County churches, all within one week.
On Wednesday, members of Discovery Church located at 5586 Covered Bridge Road between Clayton and Archer Lodge discovered 5 bullet holes in their place of worship. While doing maintenance work at the rear of the church building, several bullet holes were discovered. Some of the holes were 5 to 10 feet in the air. Officials said the damage could have occurred anytime within the past 2 months.
On Thursday, a break-in was discovered at Oliver’s Grove Baptist Church, located at 8715 US 301 South of Four Oaks. Thieves removed a large flat screen TV from a wall but apparently dropped it causing the screen to shatter. The TV was valued at $3,200 but was damaged beyond repair. The suspects did make away with a second flat screen TV and a vacuum cleaner valued at $700.
Smithfield Police don’t have any suspects in a vandalism incident reported Wednesday at the Mount Zion AME Church at 814 Second Avenue. Someone shattered a window to the church with a brick. Damage was estimated at $100.
Last Friday, an estimated $800 in vandalism was discovered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 303 Canterbury Road in Smithfield.
There is no evidence suggesting any of the incidents are connected. However, anyone who may have information about any of the incidents is encouraged to notify law enforcement authorities.
