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Suspect Accused Of Breaking Into Church Again

ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - Police arrested a North Hills man for breaking into a church -- one day after he got out of jail for breaking into the same church.

Yesterday morning, police arrested Alex Zintchenko, 20, for burglarizing St. Sebastian Church on Siebert Road. Investigators said Zintchenko broke into the church, tried to steal some audio equipment and then tried to break into a safe that contained valuable religious artifacts.

Parish workers detained the suspect until police arrived and officers took Zintchenko to the Allegheny County Jail on charges of burglary and attempted theft.

Apparently, however, Zintchenko made bail overnight.

At 5:30am this morning, Ross Twp police officers responded to another break in at St. Sebastian.
But Ross Township Police Sgt. Ben Dripps told KDKA that the 20-year old got away by apparently stealing a car.

"A short time later," Sgt. Dripps added, "Ross Township police were called to the Holiday Inn which is an adjoining property to the St. Sebastian's Church and School. Upon arrival there, we were informed that a vehicle had been stolen sometime within the last hour to two hours."

According to police, Zintchenko took the car and drove it to his apartment. Police say they found the stolen car at his apartment and arrested Zintchenko.

At the time of his arrest, police say Zintchenko was carrying two speakers that apparently were stolen from the church yesterday.

Zintchenko is back in custody today.

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