DeLand, FL - A 40-year-old man remains in Volusia County Jail on a $12,500 bond after law enforcement found out he stole thousands of dollars worth of property from a DeLand church, all while he was armed.
The burglary was discovered after employees with the DeLand Grace Chapel arrived Sunday morning (May 31st).
According to reports, a thief had pried open the back door to enter into the building. Once inside, they made off with over $2,000 worth of tools, a brand-new laptop, musical equipment and gift cards. The gift cards, which were part of a fundraiser, were for Amazon, Dunkin’ Donuts and Chick-Fil-A.
As Volusia County deputies investigated the church, the DeLand Police Department notified investigators that they had tracked a man, later identified as 40-year-old Christopher Nettles, into woods 50 yards away from the church. Officers reported that Nettles was in possession of a gun as well as the stolen tools.
When they were showed photos of the items officers found, the employees confirmed that it all belonged to them.
Nettles was charged with armed burglary and grand theft under $5,000. In addition, DeLand police charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of methamphetamine in an unrelated case.
He remains in custody.
