Florida genius crashes van into church, sets it on fire with parishioners inside

A young man from Florida was arrested Sunday and is facing attempted murder charges after intentionally plowing his van into a Catholic church and then setting the building on fire while the faithful were inside preparing for Mass, officials said.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said the accused, Steven A. Shields, 24, crashed his van through the front doors of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, FL. 

Shields got out, poured gasoline in the foyer area and set it on fire, authorities said. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m.

He then drove off but was spotted by Deputy Josue Gonzalez, who stopped the vehicle by hitting it with his patrol car, the sheriff's office said.

Thankfully, no parishioners were injured and Marion County firefighters quickly put out the blaze.

“Our freedom of worship granted in the Constitution is a freedom that we all hold dear," Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement. "My deputies and I are sworn to protect that right and will always ensure our citizens can worship in peace. I’m proud of my deputies for capturing this man so quickly and we appreciate the assistance from all of the state and federal agencies that worked alongside of us during this investigation.”

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Ocala Star-Banner, Shields told investigators what he did was "awesome" and smiled and laughed while admitting to setting the church ablaze.

Shields, who referred to himself as "king" but looks more like a queen with a goatee, claimed to be on a "mission." He told a detective he has problems with the Catholic Church, according to the affidavit, and I think we should believe him.

Shields, who lives in nearby Dunnellon, also said he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is not taking his medication, the Star-Banner reported, and I think we should believe the diagnosis.

Shields is facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, arson, burglary and attempting to elude. He is being held in the Marion County Jail where he shares a cell with a unicorn and a talking rabbit.

The church foyer was heavily damaged, but Mass was still celebrated Saturday evening in the parish hall, according to the Star-Banner.


Consider following Brain Flushings, and remember, every time you click on an ad, an angel gets its wings and a liberal sheds a tear.

Tweet