Police look for vandal who tossed birdbath through Mastic Beach church shrine

MASTIC BEACH, Long Island (WABC) -- Police are looking for a suspect in the vandalism of a Long Island church.

The incident happened around 5:30 a.m. on December 15, when police say the suspect broke into St. Jude's Candle Shrine at Neighborhood Road and Hemlock Drive in Mastic Beach.

Authorities say someone launched the top of a bird bath through the church's shrine, shattering glass everywhere. Glass displays and statues were damaged.

"It's being investigated as a criminal incident," Suffolk police Deputy Commissioner Timothy Sini said. "We have multiple investigators working investigating the incident."

Those with the St. Jude's didn't want to talk publicly, but they say their shrine has been vandalized before and that they will pray for whoever is responsible.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (631) 852-6323 or 1-800-220-TIPS.