A North Carolina man was arrested outside a church after police said he was found inside a parked truck armed with multiple weapons, including flamethrowers, crossbows, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
High Point Police responded at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Sunday after a 911 caller reported an armed man inside a vehicle in the parking lot of Wesley Memorial Church during morning services.
The caller said the individual was wearing camouflage clothing and appeared to have a firearm while seated in a truck outside the church.
Authorities said an off-duty officer working security at the church made the initial contact with the suspect.
During that encounter, the suspect allegedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer and claimed he was enforcing a smoking violation on church property.
Backup officers arrived shortly afterward, removed the suspect from the vehicle, disarmed him, and took him into custody without incident.
No injuries were reported, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Police identified the suspect as William S. Milliken III, 44, of Thomasville, North Carolina.
Officials said he was wearing a plate carrier, a type of body armor, at the time of the arrest.
He was later 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, investigators searched the vehicle and recovered multiple weapons and tactical items.
According to police reports, those items included two flamethrowers, a CO2-powered launcher designed to resemble a handgun, two crossbows, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, multiple knives, rolls of black duct tape, and oxycodone pills.
Authorities also said a notebook found inside the vehicle contained addresses of churches, schools, and other public buildings.
Investigators said the discovery expanded the scope of the case as detectives worked to determine the suspect’s intent, according to WFMY News 2.
Officials have not released a motive and have not confirmed any connection between Milliken and the church where the arrest occurred.
Court documents and police accounts indicate the suspect was initially confronted by the off-duty officer before additional officers arrived on scene.
High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III said officers quickly contained the situation and prevented escalation.
In statements provided to media outlets, Cheeks credited both responding officers and the 911 caller for helping ensure the safety of those attending services and allowing worship to continue without disruption, according to ABC45.
Wesley Memorial Church released a statement confirming that law enforcement responded to an incident on its campus during Sunday services.
Church officials said they were informed there was no ongoing threat to the congregation following the arrest, WGHP reported.
Residents in the surrounding area said the heavy police presence during morning services caused alarm and confusion as officers secured the parking lot and nearby streets.
Authorities emphasized that the situation was brought under control quickly and reiterated that no injuries occurred.
Milliken was booked into the Guilford County Jail, and his bond was set at $250,000, according to police reports.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence recovered from the vehicle and assessing whether additional charges may be filed.
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