A North Carolina man was arrested outside a High Point church on Sunday carrying two flamethrowers, two crossbows and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to the High Point Police Department as reported by Police1 and WFMD.
Police1, publishing a Tribune Content Agency report from The Herald of Rock Hill, S.C., reported that the discovery was made around 10:15 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Wesley Memorial Church. WGHP reported that the church, which it identified as Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, is on Chestnut Drive. WFMD, republishing a Fox News report, reported the same location and account, stating that a 911 caller described an armed person sitting in a truck in the church parking lot.
Police1 reported that the caller said the man was wearing camouflage, and that officers identified him as William S. Milliken III, 44, of Thomasville. According to Police1, an off-duty officer working at the church confronted Milliken first, and additional officers arrived within minutes, disarmed him and took him into custody without incident.
Milliken identified himself as a law enforcement officer and said he was enforcing a smoking violation at the church, Police1 reported, citing court documents.
What officers found
Police1 reported that Milliken was wearing body armor and that a search of his vehicle revealed a CO2-powered launcher designed to resemble a handgun, two flamethrowers, two crossbows, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, three yards of black duct tape, three knives and oxycodone pills. WGHP reported that the body armor was a plate carrier. WFMD reported the same items, describing the launcher as carbon dioxide-powered.
Police1 reported that Milliken also had a notebook listing the addresses of churches, schools and public buildings in the community, according to court documents. WFMD reported that, according to WFMY, court documents allege the notebook also contained GPS coordinates, and that Milliken had radios with police scanners, handcuff keys and an enlarged map of North Carolina.
Charges and detention
Milliken is charged with felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction, misdemeanor impersonating a law enforcement officer and possession of a controlled substance, Police1 reported, citing court documents. WFMD reported the same charges, specifying possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
WFMD reported that Milliken is being held at the Guilford County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Police1 reported that a motive has not been released and that detectives have not said whether Milliken has any ties to the congregation.
Officials respond
High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III said the suspect was taken into custody “before anyone was hurt,” according to a June 29 news release reported by Police1 and WFMD. Cheeks said officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely, Police1 reported.
WGHP reported that High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson thanked police for their response, including the off-duty officer who was working at the church. In a full statement published by WGHP, Jefferson said hundreds of people who had gathered to worship were able to return home safely, and credited community members who called 911. Jefferson said officers resolved the situation “quickly, calmly, and without injury to anyone involved,” according to WGHP. He added that many of the most important acts of public safety are ones the public never has to think about because, in his words, they “end before tragedy has the chance to unfold,” WGHP reported. According to WGHP, Jefferson said Milliken appears to have mental health issues and had a notebook with the addresses of churches and schools in his truck, citing court documents.
Police1 reported that High Point is about a 75-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.
This is a developing story. Information may be incomplete and will be updated as more details become available.
