Crucifix stolen from Oxnard church; suspect pic released

OXNARD, Calif. (KABC) -- The search is on for a man who stole a crucifix from the Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard. The crucifix holds significant sentimental value to the church and its parishioners. Surveillance video captured the suspect taking the crucifix.

The surveillance video is grainy but it shows the suspect walking up to the altar around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday and shoving the crucifix into a shirt, then walking out of the church at 323 South E Street.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man in his 30s, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with a shaved head and very large bushy mustache.

The crucifix is 22 inches long and is made of brass -- not worth much money, but to Father Marco Ortiz and his parishioners, it is priceless. The crucifix has been with the church since it was built 110 years ago. Ortiz is heartbroken.

"It's part of our history, part of our identity as a Catholic community here in Oxnard," said Ortiz. "It is sad that people do not uphold anymore anything sacred."

"It's just sad to the community, the lack of respect to me, someone to walk in and take something sacred," said parishioner Maria Perez.

Ortiz says outside of the surveillance cameras, the church has no manned security and anyone can walk in and worship. He says that's not going to change now.

"God's house should be open to anyone," said Ortiz.

Ortiz says it is the second time in two decades the crucifix has been stolen from the church. He says the first time, it was returned after the thief tried to sell it at a thrift store and the store clerk returned it to the parish.

Ortiz is pleading with the current suspect to return it, no questions asked.

"We just want our crucifix back, no questions asked," said Ortiz. "We will not press charges."

Oxnard Police say they will abide by Ortiz's wishes if the crucifix is brought back.

"At the end of the day we just want it back. The value really is in it being blessed and its significance to the church and everybody who worships here," said Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager Miguel Lopez.

Santa Clara Church and the Oxnard Police Department are working closely together and asking for assistance from the public to locate the crucifix and information on the suspect. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.