Police Search for Suspect in Catholic School Burglary

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF)-Police say they are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a burglary at Saint Martin of Tours on the 5700 block of Loretto Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.

When Sister Emily walked into the building at Saint Martin of Tours School on Monday she knew something was wrong.

"I noticed the vice principal's door was open. When I checked, I went to look, his window was broken. The window to his door was smashed open," she explained.

What Sister Emily quickly found out is that a burglar had broken into the school and ransacked classrooms, before breaking into the computer lab and stealing laptops, according to police. The suspect was caught on tape making his escape with bags filled with the stolen computers.

"The Archdiocese has been downsizing schools up here in the northeast, struggling to keep them open, and now they're getting victimized by a burglar," said Northeast Detectives Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum.

"As soon as I saw the bag in the middle of the hallway, I thought, I might have scared somebody, they might still be in the building so I high tailed it out and called 9-1-1," Sister Emily told FOX 29.

Sister Emily says some of the laptops were new, just purchased with a grant. The others were for students in an advanced math class, according to Sister Emily.

"Hopefully, some fundraisers or some kind people that would be willing help replace that material .we would be grateful," said Sister Emily.

Investigators say the suspect spent quite a bit of time inside. He also cut power lines to the schools fire alarm system. That forced the school to close on Tuesday.

Police and school officials are hoping someone will recognize the suspect's distinctive tattoo.

"It looks like some kind of skull," said Lt. Rosenbaum.

If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact: Northeast Detective Division 215-686-3153/3154 Det. Brzyski #611 DC 15-02-058295.