A 64-year-old parishioner at a Bronx Catholic church was assaulted while trying to stop the theft of an ornate Easter candle on Christmas Eve, cops said Thursday.
The victim was inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel church on E. 187th St. near Hughes Ave. in Belmont when he spotted the thief snatch the candle around 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, police said.
The man attempted to intercept the hulking crook, who punched the victim in the face, cops said.
The attack left the victim with a fractured orbital bone. He was treated at St. Barnabas Hospital, according to police.
A CBS reporter spoke to the house of worship’s Father Carlos Germosen about the brazen theft.
“Someone who had been praying in the church came after the person robbing the candle and tried to stop them,” Germosen said.
Police released an image of the suspected candle thief on Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
