Authorities Investigating Vandalism At Religious Facility
EVERGREEN, Colo. (AP/CBS4) — Authorities are investigating vandalism at an Evergreen facility after rocks were thrown through the windows of the "The Barn" before services began on Tuesday.
Every Tuesday a group called the Intercessors of the Trinity go to The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park in Evergreen to pray. The group of more than 100 people prays for healing and the teaching of their ministry.
Later, while the prayer group was meeting, someone poured paint stripper over 17 cars in the parking lot of the church.
"It was premeditated. Whoever did this had the gel and thought about doing it," said The Barn owner, Ronald Lewis.
Lewis, who occasionally attends the prayer meetings, says the group had been the target of recent hate mail.
"I think it was directed at this group and there has been some resistance to this group," he said. "Some people who thought the ministry did not follow the direction they thought it should. There have been some requests to the deacon to abandon it and maybe some threatening emails."
The chemicals took the paint down to the bare metal of the cars, causing extensive damage. There were also scratches on many of the cars.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, damage is estimated at more than $43,000.
"It's more of our pride that's been hurt than our physical building. I'm just sorry to see someone destroy it," Lewis said.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says it's still too early in the investigation to determine a motive or question any suspects. Anyone with information is asked call the sheriff's office.
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