$7,000 in tools stolen from Lakeland church

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Police officers in Lakeland are searching for a suspect they say stole $7,000 worth of tools from First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth.

The burglary happened sometime late last week. The tools were for the church's Pedal Power ministry, which provides refurbished bicycles to needy children and adults.

"We don't turn anybody away. We give out bikes to anybody that wants one. For someone to do this, I just don't understand it," Pedal Power's Ted Hogan said tearfully Tuesday.

Hogan started the ministry eight years ago and has helped give away more than 1,500 bikes over the years. The tools were accumulated through donations over the years and stored in a locked shed hidden in the rear of the church's sprawling campus.

Hogan says the ministry is now at a standstill while it rebuilds. He says members will pray for the suspect who preyed upon them.

"I just pray for them. I pray that they find inner peace and I pray that they find the Lord," Hogan said.

If you have any information about the crime, you're asked to call Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.