Tag: Crime

US: Indiana man who said he targeted Church over satanic beliefs sentenced to federal prison

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JEFF TURNER

PLAINFIELD, Ind. — A 21-year-old Indiana man who told investigators he targeted the Maple Grove Baptist Church in Plainfield because of his involvement in Satanic groups has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for vandalizing a Baptist church sign, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.

Steven James Perkinson, of Plainfield, Indiana, pleaded guilty to intentional damage to religious property and making a false statement to a United States agency. Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana imposed the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release following Perkinson’s prison term.

Investigators say a forensic review of Perkinson’s cell phone revealed searches for local churches, including “Maple Grove Baptist Church Plainfield,” “Churches near me,” and “Plainfield Bible Church photos.” His phone also contained searches for occult-related terms, including “Noctulian Blood Covenant” and “Nexion 435,” as well as searches for the “address of largest Jewish church in America,” the press release said.

Agents also found online messages in which Perkinson claimed to have access to firearms and encouraged mass violence, along with photographs of him posing with recently deceased animals and evidence that he had set fire to a dumpster, according to the press release.

Perkinson told investigators he was motivated by involvement in various Satanic groups and that he targeted the sign specifically because it belonged to a Christian church.

On Nov. 18, 2024, Perkinson spray-painted a pitchfork and the numbers “666” over the display on the sign in front of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Plainfield, and painted an “X” over the sign’s cross symbol, the press release said.

When agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation first questioned him, Perkinson denied any knowledge of involvement in the vandalism. He admitted to the act only after agents executed a search warrant on his cell phone.

The FBI had first become aware of Perkinson in 2023 following an Instagram post referencing school shootings, according to the press release.

Perkinson had no prior criminal record. The case was investigated by the FBI.

Police Investigate Church Assault in Sarnia

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

On January 4, 2025, Sarnia police responded to an assault report at a church near Christina Street and London Road shortly before 7 p.m.

A media release from the Sarina Police Service says officers spoke with a 23-year-old man who said he had been praying alone in the church when an unknown individual attacked him. According to the victim, the suspect approached from behind and placed a ligature around his neck in an attempt to strangle him. A struggle followed, during which the victim managed to escape and seek help. He was later treated in hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police searched the area for the suspect and determined that he had also tried to tamper with a security camera at the church before leaving the scene. Through further investigation, officers identified the suspect as Nicholas Ritonja, a 38-year-old Sarnia resident.

The search for Ritonja extended to surrounding police agencies. Later that evening, at 11:55 p.m., the suspect attempted to surrender at the Ontario Provincial Police station in Point Edward. He was arrested there and transferred to the custody of Sarnia police.

Ritonja has been charged with several offences, including:

Assault Causing Bodily Harm – Choke, Suffocate, or Strangle
Assault with a Weapon
Mischief Under $5,000
Uttering Threats

Police have stated that the motive for this unprovoked attack remains unclear. However, investigators believe that the suspect’s possible use of illegal substances may have contributed to the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate.

Young children injured in shooting at religious school in California

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Investigators in the U.S. are working to find out if a man targeted a small religious school in Northern California on Wednesday when he opened fire, critically injuring two kindergartners, before taking his own life.

Authorities believe the shooter may have targeted the school, Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, because of its religious connection. However, he had no known link to the school or the victims. Sheriff Kory L. Honea said more information is needed to determine if this was a hate crime or part of a larger plan.

The two boys, aged 5 and 6, are in critical but stable condition. Sheriff Honea expressed relief that they survived but noted they face a long recovery.

The gunman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was dropped off by an Uber driver before the shooting. Detectives are interviewing the driver as part of the investigation.

Before the shooting, the man had a meeting with a school administrator about enrolling a child. The meeting was described as “cordial,” and this was his first time at the school. Soon after, gunfire erupted.

The gunman’s body was found near the school’s playground. A handgun was discovered nearby.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OROVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our Hearts Are with Feather River Adventist School

The Oroville Police has Increased School Security to Support Our Community

“The Oroville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victims, families, and the entire community affected by the tragic incident that occurred on December 4, 2024, at Feather River Adventist School. No parent, child, or educator should ever face such an unimaginable event, and our hearts go out to all those impacted.

Butte County has endured more than its share of hardships, and this incident strikes at the core of our close-knit community. Events like this remind us of the importance of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for one another.

The Oroville Police Department will continue to offer our support to the Butte County Sheriff (Office) in any way we can to assist their ongoing investigation.

We understand that incidents of this nature, especially when they happen close to home, can create heightened anxiety for parents, students, and school staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority.

To provide reassurance and a sense of security, the Oroville Police Department has increased its presence at all school campuses in Oroville. Our officers, including our School Resource Officers, are trained for situations like this and are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, educators, and families.

Officers will remain on campus to offer visible support and ensure everyone’s safety during this difficult time. We encourage anyone experiencing anxiety or in need of support to reach out to school counselors or local resources available in our community.

Together, we will navigate this tragedy and work toward healing as a community.”

Texas Man Arrested with Explosives, Weapons: Planned Church Attack, Authorities Say

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

WHITE SETTLEMENT—A man taken into custody last last month in White Settlement, Texas had explosives, firearms, and ammunition in his van and reportedly told authorities he planned to attack a local church, according to details obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

A press release from the The White Settlement Police Department says officers were alerted to a suspicious vehicle early in the morning of November 26, 2024. Officers responded to a neighbourhood where they found a white passenger van with a man sitting in the driver’s seat.

Police noted the man had a handgun in his lap and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers engaged him in conversation and, during a moment when he was not holding the weapon, safely detained him.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers spotted two devices they suspected were improvised explosives. Additional firearms, including a rifle and an AR-style pistol, were also found inside the van.

Law enforcement agencies quickly secured the area, with support from the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments and the Fort Worth Fire Department Bomb Squad. The devices were confirmed to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and were safely removed.

Federal agencies, including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, have joined the investigation. Authorities are now examining the suspect’s motives and potential targets, with federal or state charges likely to follow.

The suspect was taken to a medical facility and remains in custody as police and federal agents pursue search warrants and continue their inquiries.

The White Settlement Fire Department also assisted at the scene, and the neighbourhood perimeter has since been lifted. Officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat in the area.

Police are working to determine why the man was parked in the neighbourhood and to uncover more details about the planned attack.

INTERNATIONAL: Church Break-In Thwarted by Martial Arts-Trained Pastor

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In a dramatic turn of events Thursday morning, a church burglary attempt at a U.S. church was stopped by the pastor after the man used an ax to gain entry.

Pastor Nick Neves responded to a security alarm and discovered a broken window at the First Family Church in Antioch, California. Upon investigating, he encountered an intruder attempting to steal items from the building.

Drawing on his martial arts training, Neves confronted the suspect who chose to fight rather than surrender. The pastor successfully subdued the individual and held him until local law enforcement arrived.

Photo: Antioch Police Department

Antioch Police officers quickly responded to the scene. They arrested the suspect and charged him with multiple offenses, including burglary, robbery, and battery.

Preliminary assessments indicate property damage to the church building at approximately $3,000. The incident highlights the unexpected challenges faced by community institutions.

Antioch Police shared details about the incident on the department’s Facebook page, emphasizing the quick thinking and physical preparedness of the pastor in protecting church property.