BELFAST – A Northport man was arrested on a burglary charge after he was discovered in a shed at the United Methodist Church early Tuesday.

Matthew Willis, 21, of Northport was discovered at the church on Mill Lane 12:03 a.m. by Sgt. Walter Corey and patrolman Dan Fitzpatrick while on routine patrol. The officers were checking out the church property when they heard noise coming from the storage building. When they identified themselves, Willis walked out of the building, Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton said. Trafton said he had been trying to steal gasoline.

The church has been hit by burglars three times this summer, among a series of burglaries around the area that have targeted churches, town offices and schools. The possible involvement of Willis in any of the other breaks is being investigated, Trafton said Tuesday.