Suspect Sought in Church Burglary Near Maryland-Virginia Border

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Police in Montgomery County, Maryland are searching for a suspect accused of breaking into a church in Clarksville, near the Virginia border, in the early morning hours of January 22. Surveillance video captured the suspect checking the front door of the Community of Faith Methodist Church before eventually gaining access by breaking a window.

Why it matters

Church burglaries are a concerning trend, as they can lead to property damage, theft of valuable items, and a sense of violation for the congregation. This incident highlights the need for robust security measures and community vigilance to protect places of worship.

The details

According to police, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage around 2:13 a.m. on January 22, first checking the front door of the church before breaking a window to gain entry. The suspect was described as wearing a black open-face motorcycle helmet, black-framed glasses, a black jacket with yellow reflective stripes, dark blue jeans, and black shoes with white soles. The suspect was also carrying a gray backpack with a black pouch.

• The burglary occurred around 2:13 a.m. on January 22, 2026.

What’s next

Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the burglary to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County or submit a tip through p3tips.com. Rewards ranging from $250 to $10,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.