Motive behind California church arson unknown

A spokesperson for the Eureka, California Police Department Wednesday morning said a fire at a Catholic Church building has been ruled arson.

Investigators released a photo they say shows the person behind the September 10 attack at St. Bernard’s Church. The identity of the man in the photo remains a mystery as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

A police department news release says damage caused by the arsonist is minor.  A motive for the arson is unknown.

The police spokesperson asked anyone with information about the fire to call Officer Dalby at 707-441-4060.

Church members put out flames after arsonist strikes at Maryland church

An investigator with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined a church fire was intentionally set.

According to a report from WBOC, Church members were able to extinguish a fire at Refuge Temple Church of God before firefighters arrived Tuesday morning. Details of the fire have not been released, but WJLA television reports the fire marshal’s office was called due to, “the nature of the incident.” Delmarvanow.com reports the fire was intentionally set at the front doors and that, “several pieces of evidence” were collected.

Investigators have not identified a suspect or motive in the crime.  Officials are asking for anyone with information about the attack to call the Lower Eastern Region Office of the State Fire Marshal at 410-713-3780.

Police investigate California church vandalism as hate crime

Shattered glass, a burned Christian flag and fire extinguisher residue in the sanctuary are among things noted by police investigating vandalism at a Fresno, California church building.  KFSN Television reports officers are investigating the incident at the East Fresno Baptist Church as a hate crime, although the motive has not yet been determined.

The damage was discovered by a deacon on Sunday. Although the destruction was substantial enough that services had to be moved to another location, the loss is not considered major. The Fresno Bee reports it is estimated at between $700 and $1,500.

Your Central Valley reports this is the second time in five months the church building has been damaged.

New York reverend to ask leniency for church vandals

vandals arrested

Two New York men are facing charges connected to the Aug. 19 vandalism of a Greek Orthodox Church building.

According to TexasGospe.org file stories, the vandals smashed a stained glass window, tore down a church sign and kicked over potted plants at Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church. The vandalism was captured on surveillance video that was aired on News12 Long Island. Southold police say two suspects turned themselves in after the footage was aired.

The suspects, Wesley S. Brown, 21, of Westchester County, and Mitchell Mayer, 22, of Burlington, Vermont, face misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

A police spokesperson said the vandalism does not appear to be a hate crime directed at the church, but the result of two who were drunk and disorderly.

The Rev. Jerasimos Ballas told Newsday.com he plans to reach out to authorities to ask for leniency for the two men.