Jose Luis Renteria Hernandez, 35, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of causing $25,000 worth of damage to St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Fresno. (image: Fresno Police Department)

Arrest made in vandalism at Fresno cathedral

Police say suspect caused more than $25,000 in damages to stained glass windows and religious statues at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Fresno

A 35-year-old Fresno man was arrested Tuesday after police said he caused more than $25,000 damages to sacred stained glass windows and religious statues at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Fresno.

Jose Luis Renteria Hernandez allegedly threw prayer candles at the statues and stained glass windows and damaged the exterior of the church, police said in a news release. One of the large stained glass windows was broken and several others were damaged with candle wax. A statue was also broken, police said.

Hernandez was found around 4:17 p.m. near Tulare and U streets, when he was arrested.

Officers said he admitted to vandalizing the church and was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism.

Police did not comment on a possible motive for the vandalism.