A couple was arrested for allegedly stealing inside a Tennessee church during their first date Thursday evening, according to reports.
20-year-old Sebastian Spencer and 19-year-old Danielle Salvator are charged with burglary and theft under $1,000, police said.
The incident was reportedly caught on camera and captured the two young adults playing the piano before stealing several items.
WKRN reported that the young couple met on a dating app, and found an open door into the church. The news station added that they played the piano for about 30 minutes prior to stealing four bibles, two drum sticks, and a collection plate.
Indian Lake Peninsula Church Administrative Pastor Drew Altom, who noticed and reported the theft the following day, spoke to reporters about reaching out to the young couple.
“I would tell them don’t let this one incident define you. Learn something. And together, let’s continue to grow. We all make mistakes, but we are all held accountable for those mistakes as well,” Altom said.
Speaking of church robberies, a priest in Brazil ran over a thief in his car after stealing clothing from his church.
37-year-old Father Gustavo Trindade dos Santos was officiating a wedding in São Paulo last May when he found out about a man suspected of stealing three hooded sweatshirts and a T-shirt from the São Sebastião Church’s parish house.
The priest got into his white sedan and chased after the thief. Dos Santos is seen in security footage veering his vehicle and slamming into the man before shifting into reverse and driving away.
Brazilian police charged dos Santos with attempted murder and a failure to provide assistance for the alleged hit-and-run. He was reportedly on the run for two days before turning himself into authorities.
The church has already cut ties with the priest, who had only been ordained one year ago, for the violent vigilante justice. A statement was also released regarding his firing.
“Fr. Gustavo is deeply dismayed and sorry for the tragic outcome, and calls on all the faithful to pray for the life of Mr. Angelo Nogueira, who is recovering in the ICU of Santa Casa in the city,” the statement read. “Even he who guides his community by the Word of God and through the priesthood is not free from errors and sins.”
