HAMPTON, Va. — A stolen van and two safes are back following a burglary at a Hampton church, but they're not in the condition they were taken in.
Hampton Police arrested 37-year-old James Ferrell, in connection with a break-in at Little Zion Baptist Church. They charged him with burglary and grand larceny.
Deacon Ruben Dorsey said when he arrived to church on Tuesday morning, the side door was wide open. He said a thief drove off with the church's van, a $700 guitar, and two safes.
Dorsey said he can't imagine they got what they came for.
"They thought they made off with money, but they didn't," Dorsey said. "We made the deposit the day before."
The thief didn't just take and go. Dorsey said phone lines and wiring were destroyed outside. The burglar also damaged doors and locks around the building.
But, he said the congregation didn't let that stop their mission to feed the community.
"I think our church is pretty much known in the neighborhood for the foodbank," said longtime church member Barbara Pankey.
Three times a week, volunteers fill Little Zion Baptist Church with food. Their mission is to make sure no one in the community goes hungry.
Pankey said they open their doors no matter what.
"Foodbank is our concern in here," Pankey said. "We continue doing this no matter what. We have bad weather, good weather, whatever. But people still come here."
On Wednesday, Hampton Police recovered the stolen van. The two safes were found torn open inside, but at least the $700 guitar was in good condition.
Dorsey said the hit only brought his church family closer.
"You heal, you work faster, you get stronger," Dorsey said. "Then people say, 'Wait a minute, this church is together.' And that is how we want it."
Church leaders said they did not recognize the name of the suspect. They are also working to add more security.