Leeds man charged for allegedly vandalizing church in Ludlow

LUDLOW — A Leeds man is facing charges in connection with vandalizing the Cathedral of Life Church in Ludlow on Aug. 20, according to Ludlow Police Chief Daniel Valadas.

Robert Day, 63, was taken into custody by Northampton Police three days after the reported incident, in which the main door at the 51 Center St. building was stabbed with a knife several times. A video captured a person plunging the knife into the door several times and then removing it.

Day was arraigned in Northampton District Court Aug. 23, and is scheduled to appear in Palmer District Court Oct. 18.

Day was identified as the suspect during an investigation into the incident, in which nothing inside the church was removed or damaged.

Valadas said the incident is not believed to be a hate crime. He also praised Ludlow police officers and detectives for quickly identifying the sole suspect, and Northampton’s department for locating Day.

“I would like to also thank the Northampton Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of the wanted suspect,” Valadas said.