Baltimore police arrested two men for stealing signs from The Baltimore Basilica, the nation’s first Roman Catholic cathedral early Tuesday morning.
Around 3:30 a.m., police responded to reports of a suspicious person standing at the corner near N. Charles and Fayette Streets.
When officers arrived to the scene, they were directed by a citywide camera operator to W. Mulberry St. where Anthony Pope, 53, of the 1900 block of N. Longwood Street was seen loading paintings into his car. Sean Smith, 41, of the 2000 block of N. Longwood was seen walking back and forth to Pope’s car.
After detaining the men, police discovered four large brass signs engraved with “The Baltimore Basilica -America’s First Cathedral” in Pope’s vehicle.
According to police, both suspects refused to answer questions, but one man allegedly yelled out, “I didn’t steal anything, I was only a lookout."
The suspects have been charged with felony theft and destruction of property.
Police have returned the signs to the historic church.
Watch surveillance video below:
