A 30-year-old man armed with a samurai sword has been arrested after attempting to enter a church in Pennsylvania, police have said.
Peter G. Wonsia, of Whitehaven, allegedly tried to enter the church on Route 940 in Tobyhanna Township carrying the weapon on the morning of 30th August.
According to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department, Wonsia was asked to leave after refusing to surrender the sword. Officers said he repeatedly told church members he "cannot leave" and "needed to go in".
The church was placed into immediate lockdown while Wonsia remained outside.
Responding police officers detained and arrested Wonsia at the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Wonsia has been charged with misdemeanor counts of carrying a prohibited offensive weapon, terroristic threats, simple assault by physical menace, and disorderly conduct.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police executed a search warrant at a hotel in Carbon County where Wonsia had been staying.
He was remanded to the Monroe County Correctional Facility, with bail set at $25,000 (£19,000). A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8th September.
Additional reporting from USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
