CPSO: DNA evidence leads to arrest in church break-in - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

CPSO: DNA evidence leads to arrest in church break-in

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Posted By Elona Weston - email
Christopher Bartie Jr. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office) Christopher Bartie Jr. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

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CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) -

A Lake Charles man has been arrested in connection with a church break-in after fingerprints led authorities to him, according to a news release from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Bartie Jr., 19, is accused in the case.

Authorities said on June 25, 2012, at approximately 1:30 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a church on Mill Street in Lake Charles in reference to a burglary alarm that had been triggered.

Authorities said upon arrival, deputies discovered a side door of the church was open. 

When deputies spoke with a church employee, they were told two laptops and a camera, valued at over $1,000, were stolen from the church, according to authorities.

Authorities said during the investigation, fingerprints were recovered and submitted to the Southwest Regional Crime Lab for testing. 

"The fingerprints collected at the scene positively linked Christopher Bartie Jr. to the burglary. When questioned by detectives, Bartie confirmed he burglarized the church and stole the items," the release states.

On Friday, Bartie, who has reportedly been incarcerated in the Calcasieu Correctional Center since July 2012 for unrelated charges, was re-arrested and charged with simple burglary and theft over $500.

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