Police Arrested Man for Church Break-In
Charles Bray was taken into custody following the theft of musical equipment and money from a local church.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Property Crime
Springfield police have arrested 43-year-old Charles Bray in connection with a break-in at Wake Up the World Ministries. Authorities apprehended the suspect at a residence on East Columbus Avenue following the theft of guitars and other property.
Why it matters
The arrest follows a swift investigation after church staff discovered the intrusion earlier this week. Police recovered stolen items and tools believed to be used during the commission of the crime.
Charles Bray remains in custody at the Logan County Jail on charges of breaking and entering and theft. The ongoing investigation involves evidence recovered from the church, including a hammer and scraper.
The players
Charles Bray
The 43-year-old suspect is currently held at the Logan County Jail facing felony charges.
Wake Up the World Ministries
This local religious organization served as the site of the break-in and subsequent police investigation.
The details
Surveillance footage shows the suspect forcing entry into the church through a rear garage door at 2:10 a.m. The perpetrator allegedly used a scraper to gain access to interior doors and a hammer to shatter a window before removing a JBL speaker and an Austin electric guitar.
Timeline
The break-in took place at 2:10 a.m.
Church staff reported the crime to police on Monday.
Legal Context
This incident follows the standard protocols for documenting break-ins at religious facilities as established by local reporting standards. Such arrests reflect ongoing efforts to mitigate the recent uptick in property crimes targeting local non-profit and faith-based institutions.
Local residents and ministry members are advised to ensure that building security systems are fully functional to deter future unauthorized entries. Law enforcement presence remains active in the areas surrounding East Columbus Avenue following the suspect's arrest.
The takeaway
Securing rear entrances and upgrading surveillance camera placement can be effective deterrents against nighttime property crimes. Property owners should ensure that all tools are properly stored to prevent them from being repurposed for illegal entry.
Further reading
For more information on regional trends, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Peak of Ohio.
