The Police have arrested a man who on Tuesday attempted to remove the cross from the main altar of the Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken, in Valencia. The intervention of the sacristan of the church prevented the suspect from carrying out the theft and allowed him to be held until the officers arrived.
According to the newspaper Noticias Ciudadanas, the events took place around eleven in the morning, when the church was open for worship and with numerous faithful and visitors inside. The individual entered the basilica, crossed the cordon protecting the presbytery, and went directly to the main altar, where he began to manipulate the cross with the apparent intention of detaching it from its support.
The sacristan noticed what was happening and confronted the man before he could leave the place with the piece. Both engaged in a struggle in the presbytery until the employee managed to subdue the suspect and hold him.
The Police arrested him inside the church
Alerted by the basilica staff, several police officers went to the church and proceeded to arrest the individual, who, according to the published reports, maintained an aggressive attitude at the time of the arrest.
The detainee, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken to police facilities. According to Noticias Ciudadanas, he is being investigated initially for an alleged crime of attempted robbery with force and another against religious sentiments.
No significant damage to the heritage
The rapid action of the church staff prevented the cross from being stolen and significant damage from occurring to the main altar or other elements of the historical-artistic heritage of the basilica.
After the police intervention, the Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken returned to normal and was able to continue with the scheduled religious celebrations.