OBSERVER Staff Report

A Dunkirk resident has been arrested in connection with a burglary at Rural Ministry.

Tuesday afternoon, Dunkirk Police announced that Justin A. Baez, 29, of Dunkirk has been arrested and charged for allegedly burglarizing and damaging the facility, which provides food, clothing and shelter to those in need.

On Nov. 21, Rural Ministry, which is located at 319 Washington Ave., Dunkirk, was burglarized. Executive Director Kathleen Peterson said at the time that the perpetrator knifed screens, broke windows, stole a cash register and destroyed cameras.

Baez was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court on the charges of third-degree burglary, criminal mischief and petit larceny. After arraignment, he was released as part of the New York State bail reform.