Man Arrested in Salem Church Theft

Several people, who were attending funeral services at the time, chased and caught the suspect outside and detained him until Sheriff's Deputies arrived.

Jason C. Retherford. Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office.

(SALEM) - On Thursday at 7:40 PM, Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to a reported theft at the Salem First Methodist Church located at 4455 Silverton Road NE.

When Deputies arrived several adults were detaining 34-year-old Jason C. Retherford outside of the church.

Rutherford allegedly went into the church and took a purse and other items from a secure office area.

When confronted inside the church he forced his way outside.

Several people, who were attending funeral services at the time, chased and caught Rutherford outside and detained him until Sheriff's Deputies arrived.

Rutherford was transported to the Marion County Correctional Facility where he was lodged on Second Degree Burglary, Third Degree Robbery, Second Degree Theft, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon charges.