Ambia, IN – Benton County authorities are asking for information after a break-in at an Ambia church allegedly left a window shattered and a food pantry donation container missing.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Rife responded to the Methodist Church in Ambia after a burglary was reported Thursday, July 30. Investigators said a ground-level window had been broken, and droplets of blood were scattered around the church’s basement area.
The church pastor and another congregation member initially told the deputy that nothing appeared to be missing. Authorities later learned that the suspect allegedly stole a donation jug containing approximately $50.
The missing container was described as a blue-tinted, 5-gallon Culligan water jug. A sign attached to the jug referenced donations for the Corner Cupboard Food Pantry.
Information gathered during the investigation described the suspect as a male wearing a light-colored T-shirt, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said the person allegedly arrived at the church on a bicycle at approximately 1:45 a.m. on July 30.
Deputies collected evidence from the church, including a sample of the blood found near the basement area. The sheriff’s office did not announce whether investigators have identified a suspect or obtained surveillance footage.
The burglary and theft investigation remained ongoing as of Wednesday.
Anyone with information about the break-in, the missing donation container or a person seen riding a bicycle near the church during the early morning hours is asked to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 765-884-0080.
