A South Carolina grandma recently turned her grandkids in after recognizing them in video footage captured during the vandalism of a local church.
The grandmother told authorities that she recognized the 8-year-old and 9-year-old on the news and promptly turned the little kids into police, WACH-TV reported. It’s a bold move that will likely teach the children a lesson.
Photos of the damage inside Bell Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, show smashed glass; books and church resources are scattered.
The damage inflicted during incidents in December and January reportedly extended from the sanctuary to the kitchen and other rooms throughout the house of worship.
“Heartbreak and confusion” abounded among parishioners after the tragic scene was discovered.
The church was reportedly preparing to have its first in-person services since the pandemic in December, when the first act of vandalism unfolded and shocked everyone.
“This right here threw us for a loop,” the church’s First Lady Johnnie Mae Butler told WACH-TV before the alleged perpetrators were discovered. “Just to think someone would come in and do this to God’s house — they don’t know the emotional toll that this has taken.”
At least one image captured from surveillance shows two boys. One of the children reportedly brandished a BB gun, which was allegedly used to cause much damage. A third child, aged 10, was also apparently involved in the vandalism.
Butler said the situation is “emotional,” but she and her husband had already forgiven the perpetrators before the faithful leaders had any idea who they might be.
Authorities recommend the children take part in a clean-up day at the church March 5, with the outlet noting the family and house of worship agree with this punishment.
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