Miami Archbishop Asks Cops To Investigate Vandalism As Hate Crime

WEST KENDALL, FL — A statue of Jesus was vandalized at a Miami-area Catholic church this week and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami has asked police to investigate the incident as a hate cime.

"Our general investigations unit as well as our Homeland Security Bureau are both looking into it,"Detective Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department told Patch Thursday.

Colome said the incident happened either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 14187 SW 72nd Street.

News video from WPLG-TV showed the statue with its head removed and toppled from the pedestal where it had been bolted outside the church. Flowers were placed on the empty pedestal.

A spokesperson from the Archdiocese of Miami said the "desecrated statue" was discovered by church workers on Wednesday morning. The statue was also called the Good Shepherd.

"The pastor has hired a guard for overnight security," the diocesan spokesperson said.

Colome said Miami-Dade police will be reviewing video from church security cameras.

"It's a place of worship. During difficult times people need guidance and seek guidance," Colome told Patch. "MDPD is diligently working on this case to try to find the individual or individuals involved."

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477. Alternatively, visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.