A 38-year-old Cleveland man was arrested for allegedly stealing a church van in Cleveland this week.
According to an incident report from the Cleveland Police Department, an officer was dispatched to Cleveland Worship Center at 327 Helen Highway on Tuesday morning, June 20, regarding a stolen van.
When Officer Brandon Wood arrived, he met with the church’s Pastor, Marc Turner, who reported the theft. Pastor Turner told Officer Wood he knew who stole the vehicle because they had video of the incident. Turner stated he recognized the individual because the church had helped him out in the past.
Turner identified the suspect as Richard James Deal of Cleveland.
During their investigation, Cleveland Police issued a lookout for the missing 2019 Ford Van. A short time later, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office advised they had the vehicle stopped in their county. The suspect Deal was with the van.
Deal was arrested and now faces charges of theft by taking a motor vehicle, theft by taking (other items at the church), criminal trespass, and loitering or prowling.
According to the police report, Deal had also attempted to enter the church office.
