SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police and crime stoppers are looking for a man accused of making a terroristic threat towards a catholic church Friday afternoon.
It happened at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church off Wurzbach around 1:30 p.m.
Crime Stoppers released images taken off a surveillance camera from the church. Police said the man walked inside, asked for a priest, and when he was told a priest was not available, he flashed an unknown device.
He also told the church he had a car full of explosives. Police said the man then walked away and the church staff called 911 immediately.
The congregation posted about the incident on its Facebook page Saturday.
“The matter is being addressed and appropriate action is being taken,” Father Eric J. Ritter said. “We are vigilant in keeping our facilities safe and secure through your continued cooperation and support.”
Mass continued for the weekend. Blanche Rico has lived across from the church for 40 years and attends the church. She was there Friday afternoon, around the same time the threat was made. She said she did not hear or see any commotion.
“It doesn’t surprise me that something like that would happen at Saint Matthew’s, it’s happening all over the city,” Rico said.
But come Sunday morning, the church filled up with parishioners.
“We’re not going to feel threatened, there’s a large group of parishioners, and yes we would feel safe,” Rico said. “We do see SAPD all the time around here, so coupled with that, I would feel safe.”
Even though she is confident with the church’s security, she said she would still like to see the man arrested.
“I would definitely feel relieved, I hope they all get caught, I hope anybody doing that or anybody else does get caught,” Rico said.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.