Church van used to smash into NE Houston gas station, police say

HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating a burglary Friday in northeast Houston. 

Police said a church van stolen from the White Rock Missionary Baptist Church was used to smash into the Handi Plus 2 Gas Station at 5 a.m. at Ley and Darien.

The van was found a block away from the gas station on Finch and Darien. Part of the store's gate was still attached to the van.

Police said the store was closed at the time and surveillance video shows three men shutting off the power with a bolt cutter just before smashing into the front of the store.

The church where the van was stolen has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years.

The pastor said he is devastated the men took the van from the church. He said he still welcomes them to his church so they can ask for prayer.

RAW VIDEO: Surveillance video shows 3 men before smash-and-grab

"I would invite them yes I would to talk to them to get their souls saved," the pastor said. "Turn yourself in, stop doing what you are doing, something bad is going to happen to you if you keep doing this." 

According to police, the men took $1,000 in cigarettes and $400 in cash.

"I feel terrible, this is big damage they did to me. I don't know how long it's going to take to fix it," store owner Mushtaq Shaikh said.