Church Explodes on Thieves: 'God Watches Over the Evil and the Good'
A church explosion took two thieves by surprise during the middle of an attempted robbery. Police are asking for the public's help in bringing the two men to justice.
"Our security alarms went off at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, and that's when our church member Homer Pate notified the Harris County Sheriff's department of the robbery," deacon Michael Kirtley told ABC News.
According to Kirtley, two men apparently tried to steal the copper from the Westway Baptist Church's electric cable. Instead, what they managed to leave with were burns that would most likely require medical attention.
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Surveillance footage captured the entire incident, from the arrival of the would-be thieves, to the explosion that sent them away. A truck can be seen pulling up to the church, with one man then cutting wires near the street and another cutting wires at the church's breaker box.
The explosion occurred as the second man's bolt cutters came into contact with the copper wire.
"The man just blew up into a fire ball. I surely don't know if he was electrocuted or even alive," Kirtley said. "If they [medical facilities] encounter someone with suspicious burn wounds, we urge them to inform the authorities."
For now, the church is still in the dark but will carry on with its Sunday services thanks to a generator, which is only a short-term solution. "We can start the generator for eight hours only to minimize expenses. Our deductible is $5,000. This robbery is going to cost the church a lot," Kirtley explained.
Westway Baptist Church is no stranger to robberies or making due during hard times. Last year two air conditioners were stolen during two different robberies. That hasn't diminished the faith or the determination of members of Westway, though.
"He watches over the evil and the good. He saw those guys doing that. Whether it was the Lord smacking him, who knows," Kirtley told KTRK News.
"It should be a warning for them that you don't make a mistake. If you make a mistake, this is what happens to you," Pate added.
Anyone with information about the incident at Westway Baptist Church can call 281-894-4542.
