PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. — A Virginia pastor who tried to chase down a copper thief said his church is now facing thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Pastor Larry Hudnall said when he walked into Abundant Life Church on Friday, Jan. 19, he noticed the building was very chilly.
When he walked outside to check the church’s heating and cooling systems, he said the units “had been stripped and there were some tools lying on the ground.” Hudnall said.
Hudnall rushed back inside to call Prince George Police.
But when he walked back outside, he made a startling discovery.
“When I came out the door, he was down here like this, grabbing the scrap up and he turned and looked at me and said, ‘Oh no,’” Hudnall said.
WTVRAs the suspect turned to run, the 74-year-old pastor gave chase.
“It was natural to chase him, I’m really not sure what I would have done if I’d caught him,” Hudnall acknowledged.
As he was running, he called 911.
“She said don’t go into the woods and follow him,” Hudnall said the dispatcher told him.