San Diego
Grand theft charges are expected to be filed today against a 27-year-old transient arrested in the taking of a crucifix from a downtown church, authorities said.
Richard Alan Ferris allegedly walked into Our Lady of the Rosary Church in the 600 block of State Street shortly before noon Monday and walked out with the 6-foot cross from the altar, police said.
Church officials saw a man walking away with the $1,800 crucifix and gave chase. Police said the man was stopped by citizens at Cedar Street and Kettner Boulevard, but not before he had smashed the cross on the street.
Ferris told police he disliked religious symbols, spokesman Bill Robinson said.
He was being held in County Jail on Tuesday in lieu of $2,000 bail.
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