Community News

Huntington Beach Police Arrest Suspect in Series of Church Burglaries Across Southern California

 

by: Corbin Carson
Published: October 9, 2025

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH...A man has been arrested in connection witha burglary at First Christian Church, located in the 1200 block of Main Street. A church employee confronted the suspect in the early hours of Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a witness observed him forcing entry into the building.

The suspect claimed to be a worker responding to a power outage and was wearing equipment and carrying tools consistent with an electrician. The employee became suspicious when it was confirmed there was no power outage. After being escorted from the building, the suspect fled in a vehicle.

Detectives from the Huntington Beach Police Department analyzed evidence collected from the crime scene and identified it as belonging to Juan Carlos Montiel, who also matched the suspect’s description seen in surveillance video. The investigation further revealed Montiel’s involvement in multiple church burglaries throughout Southern California, using a similar method of operation by posing as an electrical contractor to steal from churches.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, detectives from the HBPD Investigation Division located and arrested Montiel in connection with the burglary.

Anyonewith additionalinformation is encouraged to contact detectives at crimetips@hbpd.org.