Crime & Safety

Sheriff: Suspects Vandalized 2 Irmo Churches

Two churches in Irmo have been vandalized on separate incidents since May 11.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects involved in vandalizing two Irmo churches.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said unknown suspects vandalized and damaged properties at Shady Grove United Methodist Church and St. Johns Lutheran Church. 

Between 7:15 p.m. Sunday and 8:30 a.m. Monday, unknown suspects spray painted the side of Shady Grove’s Family Life Center located at 1918 Shady Grove Road with the writing, “God = Delusion.”

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Unknown suspects also spray painted, “There is no God” on the building, and “Atheism” on a concrete slab near the church’s entrance.

That incident occurred between noon Friday, July 6, and 10 a.m.  Saturday, July 7.

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Between 11 p.m. May 11, and 8 a.m. May 12, unknown suspects vandalized the St. Johns Lutheran Church property at 1028 St. Johns Road.

The suspects spray painted the church parking lot with “DF 10.”

The church’s basketball court backboard had a swastika painted on it and alcoholic beverages were left on the parking lot.    

“It is unfortunate that criminals are stooping to the lowest levels by desecrating houses of worship,” Lott said in a release. 

Anyone with any information should call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or submit a tip on the Crimestoppers website. 


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