Suffolk County police arrested a Riverhead man after authorities say he attempted to burglarize a Center Moriches church while preschool classes were underway inside the building.
Daniel Fanuele, 30, was allegedly trying to kick in a door at the Presbyterian Church of the Moriches, located at 263 Main Street, at approximately 12:50 p.m., when he was confronted by an employee of Gentle Hearts Preschool, which operates within the church, according to police.
Fanuele fled the scene on foot following the encounter, prompting staff to take immediate precautions. Nineteen students and two employees sheltered in place until officers arrived. Police said no injuries were reported and the children were kept safe throughout the incident.
After an investigation by Seventh Squad detectives, Fanuele was located and arrested later that afternoon. Seventh Precinct patrol officers took him into custody at 2:41 p.m. near the intersection of Coventry Avenue and Mastic Road in Mastic.
He has been charged with attempted burglary in the third degree and criminal mischief, police said. Authorities did not indicate whether Fanuele has legal representation.
Fanuele was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is expected to be arraigned on March 18 at First District Court in Central Islip.
Police have not released additional details about a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Neighbors expressed concern given the presence of young children, while parents praised staff and first responders for acting quickly.
The Presbyterian Church of the Moriches has long been a cornerstone of the Center Moriches community, which traces its roots to English settlers in the late 1600s.
Formally established as a parish in 1748, the congregation has endured through the Revolutionary War and generations of growth.
The current church, with its distinctive white steeple and Victorian design, stands as a recognizable landmark along Main Street and reflects more than two centuries of local history and community life.