LYNDHURST -- An East Rutherford man who allegedly hid in a church balcony for hours before breaking into five donation boxes was arrested Wednesday, police said.

Michael R. Gardi, 34, was seen on surveillance video entering St. Michael's Church on Ridge Road Monday, police said. Three hours later, Gardi was seen on the video emerging from the balcony and forcing open the locked vestibule doors, police said. He spent another 20 minutes allegedly breaking into the donation boxes.

The amount taken was not immediately known.

On Wednesday, Gardi was seen by Det. Ronald Guirland and Lt. John Fata riding a bike on Grant Avenue. The officers turned around and found Gardi's bike outside the Rite-Aid pharmacy on Valley Brook Avenue, then entered the Betlike pharmacy. Gardi fled through an emergency exit door but was caught after a foot chase, police said.  

Gardi has been charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, eluding, possession of seven hypodermic needles and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was being held without bail at the Bergen County Jail.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

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