Copper Thieves Cutting Church Downspouts Wake up Pastor: Police

CRANSTON, RI—The pastor of St. Paul Church on Warwick Avenue was awoken to the sound of two people stealing copper piping from outside the church early Thursday morning.

Now, Marcus Goodrich, 22, of 365 Bayview Ave., Cranston; and Chelsea DiChaiara, 18, of 1 Wheeler Ave., Cranston are facing charges of larceny, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy for their thwarted attempt to steal from a house of worship.

Cranston Police Acting Capt. Lt. Russell Henry Jr. told WPRI that the duo were using bolt cutters, pliers and a knife to cut copper downspouts off the building.

During the effort, Henry said the suspect lost his grip on a long piece of downspout, causing a piece to crash to the ground.

The noise woke up Father Adam Young, who called police, who arrived to the apparent surprise of the culprits.

Both were arraigned and released and are due to return to court on March 14.

Court records show DiChiara was also charged with simple assault. She was released on personal recognizance.

Goodrich was also charged with violating a no-contact order.