GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — A man is in custody after police say he vandalized and put fireworks in and around St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish Church in Grand Haven, prompting a search by an explosives K9. Police said the suspect is from Newaygo County.
Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officers responded to the church around 7 a.m. Sunday, after a report of a disorderly person in the building.
According to the Jeff Hawke, the director of public safety, the suspect placed M5000 Jumbo firecrackers in multiple locations in and outside the building.
"It wouldn't have caused any structural damage," Hawke said. "Using them inside certainly always a danger of fire, so it could've started a fire if they would've been ignited."
This type of firecracker is available commercially and is ignited with a fuse.
Police said the man also vandalized the inside of the building and damaged a TV, but the sanctuary was not affected. The suspect assaulted a church employee with part of a broken chair, but they were not injured.
Law enforcement said that the man was tased before being arrested because he was not compliant. At a press conference, police said the man may have mental health issues, and he has a history with the law enforcement.
"The behavior was bizarre," Hawke said. "Officers felt that he may be under the influence of a controlled substance."
Both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. mass were canceled because of the incident. Members were encourage to attend a late-morning mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake.
"We are happy to be able to provide a place for them," said Father David Gross of St. Mary's. "We are Catholic and one church, and it doesn't matter whether you're at St. Patrick or Saint Mary's or anywhere. We are one church."
The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety tweeted around 1 p.m. saying that the incident at the church has been resolved. The building was searched and no further explosives were found. They said, "There is no evidence of an on-going threat."
The suspect is currently being held at the Ottawa County Jail. Hawke said he is facing charges of malicious destruction of property, assault and resisting and obstructing police. His arraignment date hasn't been set yet.
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