A North Carolina man has been arrested outside a church after police allegedly discovered weapons including flamethrowers, crossbows and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle during a Sunday service.
Officers were called to Wesley Memorial Church in High Point at around 10:15am on 28 June following reports of an armed man sitting in a truck in the church car park.
According to High Point Police Department, the caller reported that the man was carrying a gun and wearing camouflage clothing. An off-duty police officer working at the church responded immediately, with additional officers arriving minutes later.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old William S. Milliken III of Thomasville, was arrested without incident and no injuries were reported.
Police said Milliken was wearing a plate carrier, a type of body armour, when he was taken into custody.
He has been charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, impersonating a law enforcement officer and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
Following the arrest, officers searched Milliken's truck and said they found a range of weapons and other items, including a launcher designed to resemble a handgun, two flamethrowers, two crossbows, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, three knives, rolls of black duct tape and oxycodone pills.
High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson said authorities had also recovered a notebook containing addresses of churches and schools.
"Court documents also show he had a notebook with addresses of churches [and] schools, police scanners, body armor, and more in his truck. The docs also state he's believed to have mental health issues," Jefferson said in a statement reported by local broadcaster WGHP.
He added: "Most importantly, no one was hurt. Hundreds of people who had gathered to worship were able to return home safely to their families."
Jefferson thanked the High Point Police Department and members of the public who reported the incident.
"Their willingness to act reminds us that public safety is a shared responsibility," he said.
High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III also praised officers and local residents for their response.
“Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt,” he said.
“The officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely.
"We also want to thank the community members who recognized a potential danger and had the courage to speak up. As we work to keep High Point safe, it is crucial that we continue to look out for each other.”
Milliken remains in custody at Guilford County Jail.
