WOODSIDE — Police are looking for a man who hurled a trash can through the storefront of a church in Queens, shattering its large glass window — though the church's pastor says they harbor no ill will towards the vandal.
"If anything, we actually want to find who did this to help them," said Tim Bourman, pastor at Sure Foundation Lutheran Church on Roosevelt Avenue and 65th Street.
"We think that someone who did this is spiritually hurting," he continued. "We'd like to forgive him."
The suspect approached the church at 64-20 Roosevelt Ave. shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday, according to police. Surveillance video posted on Sure Foundation's Facebook page shows him carrying a garbage can, then smashing it into one of the storefront's large glass windows before walking away.
"Once you have watched the video, please think about this with our mission and the heart of God in mind," the church wrote on its Facebook page. "This will lead you to pray for our enemies asking for their repentance."
Bourman said the church — which has been in the neighborhood for 16 years — is currently working on replacing the broken glass. Those who wish to help with the costs can donate through their website.
The pastor called the vandalism "an act of anger."
"There's people that are hurting in this city," he said. "We just want to be able to forgive this individual...and have the opportunity to talk to him."
