Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, reportedly received repeated death threats before burglars ransacked his apartment and stole equipment believed to contain research from the Durupınar formation in eastern Turkey.
Lauren Witzke, the organization’s marketing and fundraising director, announced the burglary Saturday. She said the break-in followed the launch of a government-authorized study examining whether the boat-shaped formation could be connected to the biblical account of Noah’s Ark.
“We’ve already said this expedition has come under attacks that are borderline demonic,” Witzke wrote on X. “But we still didn’t think they’d go this far.”
According to Witzke, Jones had been awakened between 1 and 3 a.m. by people banging on his door, attempting to enter and threatening to kill him. He left the apartment and stayed with a friend at the team’s urging.
While Jones was away, intruders reportedly entered the apartment and stole his laptops, computers and memory cards. Witzke said other valuable items were left behind.
“They specifically knew what they were there for,” she said.
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No suspects have been identified publicly, and the team’s belief that the burglary specifically targeted its research has not been independently confirmed.
The incident came as researchers conducted an authorized, multiyear investigation incorporating geophysical surveys and core drilling. The project is directed by archaeologist Cenker Atila of Sivas Cumhuriyet University and has received permits from relevant Turkish agencies, according to the team’s website.
Jones said drillers recently encountered a layer hard enough to break the drill bit. Samples are undergoing laboratory testing for potential mineralized or petrified wood, but no definitive results have been announced.
Witzke said Jones had removed backup copies before the burglary.
“Andrew is safe, the research is safe, we are not backing down,” she said.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
