GCA: Suspect in weekend burglary apprehended

The Department of Public Safety has apprehended a suspect in connection with the burglary that struck Grace Christian Academy and Grace Christian Ministries in Navy Hill over the weekend, according to a church and school official.

Michael Rodgers, senior pastor of Grace Christian Ministries and chairman of the Grace Christian Academy board, said he received word last Tuesday morning, June 16, from investigators that a suspect had been caught and that the school's stolen pickup truck had been recovered.

"Pastor Mike, just to let you know, we've apprehended someone. We've found them. We found your pickup truck," Rodgers recalled an officer telling him. He added that police informed him that other stolen items appeared to have been sold and may not be recovered.

According to Rodgers, the first incident was discovered last Saturday, June 13, when thieves cut and stole three large electrical cables that had been left disconnected while repairs were underway. The following day, burglars allegedly returned, stealing the academy's pickup truck, two chainsaws, a pressure washer, an air compressor and a leaf blower after cutting a chain securing a storage container.

Rodgers said he later went to the DPS substation in Garapan to provide a formal statement and an inventory of the stolen property.

"I'm thankful that they apprehended the gentleman," Rodgers said. "And it sounds like there may be other people involved. And honestly, they need to be caught because if they're not caught, they're going to move on to other things. And it's only going to get worse for them and for everybody else."

The pastor estimated the losses at more than $16,000. He said the stolen copper cables were worth about $4,000, while replacing the academy's Toyota Tacoma pickup truck would cost about $9,000. The two chainsaws were valued at about $1,400, the pressure washer at about $800, the air compressor at about $1,000, and the leaf blower at about $1,000.

Rodgers also used the incident to encourage community vigilance.

"If you see something, say something," he said, echoing Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho’s call for the revival of some sort of a neighborhood watch. "We should all be looking out for each other."

For members of the church and school community still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Rodgers urged them to remain focused on their faith despite recent setbacks.

"Our joy is not in the things we have. Our joy is found sourced in Jesus," he said. "Despite everything, despite the economy, despite no air conditioning, purposely seek to give glory to the Lord, allow the presence of God to give you peace."

DPS has not publicly released the suspect's identity or announced any charges.