NW Indiana police seek 4 in Christmas Eve shrine vandalism

ST. JOHN, Ind. (AP) - Four men are facing charges in connection with vandalism that caused $80,000 in damage to a religious shrine in northwestern Indiana that features scenes depicting Jesus' final days.

St. John Police say arrest warrants were issued Thursday for the men, who allegedly vandalized 20 granite lights and speaker posts at the Shrine of Christ's Passion on Christmas Eve.

Police Chief James Kveton tells The (Northwest Indiana) Times the investigation found no indications of a hate crime, and poor judgment due to alcohol use was cited as a contributing factor to the men's alleged vandalism.

Security video showed that some of the men poured beer on statues depicting Jesus's crucifixion.

Three of the men face misdemeanor trespassing charges, while the fourth faces both felony and misdemeanor charges.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com