Pueblo, CO – On September 5, 2026, Pueblo police responded to a report of a traffic hazard after several statues were found damaged in the roadway outside a church in the 2700 block of E. 12th Street.
Officers were dispatched at approximately 9:40 a.m. and discovered statues of saints that had been removed from their pedestals outside the church and left in the roadway.
The damaged statues included a small statue of St. Mary, a large statue of St. Anne and a large statue of St. Michael.
Police said the St. Michael statue was shattered, with its wings and sword broken. The total damage to the statues is estimated at approximately $6,000.
According to Pueblo police, surveillance footage captured five masked individuals entering the church property at approximately 1:46 a.m.
The suspects were seen removing the statues from their pedestals and carrying them away from the church.
One of the suspects was also captured picking up a flower planter and smashing it on the ground, according to investigators.
The Pueblo Police Department said the investigation remains active as detectives work to identify the individuals involved.
While describing the incident as “appalling and unacceptable,” police said there is currently no indication that the vandalism meets the criteria for a hate crime under Colorado law.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident or who can identify any of the suspects to contact Detective Juno at 719-553-3273 or by email at [email protected].
Anonymous tips can be provided to Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP (719-542-7867) or through its online tip system. Police said information leading to a felony arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
