UPDATE: 2/23/23 An investigation by Lafayette Police has identified Israel Orozco, 20 of Lafayette as the person responsible for the damage that occurred at the “Pathway Church” on Feb. 11.

According to police, Orozco was the driver of a vehicle that struck the church, heavily damaging it, and then fled the scene prior to police arrival.

He has two outstanding warrants for his arrest, including improper lane usage and hit and run driving. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Lafayette Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS.

All callers will remain anonymous.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A Pathway Church in Lafayette is left with a hole in their building after someone drove into it and fled the scene early Saturday morning.

The church is not seeing this as a setback, as Pastor Ben Davis said this is an opportunity for the church to grow.

“We always believe that God has something good in store. Any time the enemy does something against us,” Pastor Davis said. “God always has a way of turning it around for good.”

According to Lafayette police, the incident happened at around 2 in the morning. When officers arrived, the vehicle was still inside of the building, but a driver was never found.

It is being investigated as a hit-and-run incident.

Pastor Davis said they are praying for the persons involved in the wreck.

“We want to help those people out any way we can,” Davis said.

The church is already preparing for alternative ways of continuing to spread the word of Christ.

“We may even do some pop-up church services around the city. We started mobile as a church when we first launched,” Pastor Davis said.

Pathway is looking to stream some services before doing pop-up locations as they prepare for the Lenten season.

If you have any information on the driver who ran into the church, you’re asked to contact Lafayette police.