La Grange police charge man in St. Francis burglary

Daniel S. Blubaugh

Updated: July 29, 2012 6:57AM

La Grange police hiding inside St. Francis Xavier Church early Monday arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with a burglary attempt.

Daniel S. Blubaugh, of 1350 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, was arrested at the church by two police officers who hid in the church, 145 N. Waiola Ave. Church officials had reported a pattern of donations coming up missing in collection boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and prayer candles.

“We suspect it was going on for several months,” said Clara Jurivich, business manager at the church. “We had been watching the boxes, and the amount was not what it should have been.”

At about 1:20 a.m., Blubaugh was seen entering the church and removing cash from donation boxes. When police attempted to take him into custody, Blubaugh ran outside but was apprehended on church property, said investigator Patrick Fulla.

Church funds totaling $79 were found in his possession, as well as burglary tools, but no weapon, Fulla said.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges of burglary to a place of worship and possession of burglary tools, as well as resisting arrest, a misdemeanor.

“We’re very relieved to have a very untoward situation resolved, and the individual has been apprehended and will not be in a position to be removing money from churches,” Jurivich said.

Jurivich said Blubaugh wasn’t affiliated with the church or known to any staff members. Fulla said it’s believed Blubaugh acted alone.

“There’s nothing to lead us to believe he was working with another person,” Fulla said.

Blubaugh will appear in Bridgeview bond court on June 26.

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