Police have a man in custody who they say is vandalizing and setting L.A.-area churches on fire, including at least two Catholic churches.rn
Twenty-five-year-old Christian Michael Garcia was arrested Jan. 23 by a joint task force investigating the recent string of arson attacks on churches.
The most recent of the fires happened at Resurrection Catholic Church in Boyle Heights on Jan. 25. That fire burned through much of the church’s first floor before firefighters were able to stop it from extending into the sanctuary area, according to firefighting officials.
In a statement, L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar promised to help the parish and its pastor, Msgr. John Moretta: “Monsignor Moretta and Resurrection Church have led so many battles to help Boyle Heights,” he said. “We stand ready to return the favor.”
Authorities believe the fire is related to a recent arson attack at an Episcopalian church in Pasadena, as well as various graffiti incidents at churches in the San Gabriel Valley, including St. Christopher Catholic Church in West Covina.
Interested in more? Subscribe to Angelus News to get daily articles sent to your inbox.
