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Beck was arrested on felony charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, and arson, police said. More charges are expected. He was arraigned on Monday and his bond was set at $50,000.
Eric Beck, 30, of Painesville, Ohio, was arrested and charged in connection with the vandalism and arson at Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby, Ohio, early in the morning of Aug. 12, 2023. (photo: Courtesy photo / Willoughby Police Department)
Police arrested a man Saturday suspected of attempting to light a Willoughby, Ohio, Catholic Church on fire in addition to heavily vandalizing it, causing an estimated $20,000 in damages.
Authorities say they saw Eric Beck, 30, of Painesville, Ohio, in Immaculate Conception Church after responding to a motion alarm call at about 2 a.m.
Beck was holding a broken handle to a shovel and was bleeding from his right hand, police said. Beck, who was “highly intoxicated,” ran out of the church and was arrested, police said.
Beck is not a member of the church.
Police said Beck entered the church through a chapel that is open at all hours and vandalized it. A photo of the chapel shows a broken crucifix, a knocked-over kneeler, and a smashed candle.
Beck then entered the main church, damaging different areas such as objects on the altar and a candle stand area, police said. He left a trail of blood.
Continued below.
www.ncregister.com
Police arrested a man Saturday suspected of attempting to light a Willoughby, Ohio, Catholic Church on fire in addition to heavily vandalizing it, causing an estimated $20,000 in damages.
Authorities say they saw Eric Beck, 30, of Painesville, Ohio, in Immaculate Conception Church after responding to a motion alarm call at about 2 a.m.
Beck was holding a broken handle to a shovel and was bleeding from his right hand, police said. Beck, who was “highly intoxicated,” ran out of the church and was arrested, police said.
Beck is not a member of the church.
Police said Beck entered the church through a chapel that is open at all hours and vandalized it. A photo of the chapel shows a broken crucifix, a knocked-over kneeler, and a smashed candle.
Beck then entered the main church, damaging different areas such as objects on the altar and a candle stand area, police said. He left a trail of blood.
Continued below.
Ohio Man Arrested After Attempting to Light Catholic Church on Fire, Vandalism
Beck was arrested on felony charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, and arson, police said. More charges are expected. He was arraigned on Monday and his bond was set at $50,000.
