Millinocket Man Arrested for Breaking Into Augusta Church

A Millinocket man is facing charges after allegedly breaking into an Augusta church and stealing some items that were kept there.

Police were contacted at around 7:00 Wednesday morning that there was a burglary in progress at the First United Pentecostal Church, on Wilson Street in Augusta, and that the suspect was trying to get away. A tip from a community member led officers to Brock Malone, 45, who was charged with burglary, theft by unauthorized taking, and violation of conditions of release. Police say Malone had allegedly taken multiple items from the church, including numerous tools and musical equipment, valued at over $2,000.

Augusta Police called this case a 'gleaming example' of the value of community policing. Had the community member not alerted them of the burglary in progress, they wouldn't have learned of the crime until Malone was long gone. Because of that person's willingness to report the incident, they were able to take the suspect into custody and retrieve the stolen goods.

This story really resonated with me, because I once stood in the kitchen of my apartment and watched a burglary-in-progress at a business across the street. I called police and told them what was happening, and they caught the culprit. It was very satisfying knowing that I had helped to keep our neighborhood safe. Now, obviously, police don't want you to put yourself in any danger. But if you see something that seems suspicious, say something. Call police and let them check it out.

To provide tips to the Augusta Police Department, send them through the free 'TIP411, Augusta Maine Police,' app.