A state of Alabama, which poses a criminal threat to the Orange County church, was arrested and found with a body armor and various weapons.
On August 28, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department received a report about the threat sent to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon, according to a sheriff’s department press release. Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, of Alabama resident, was identified as the suspect in sending emails. He allegedly visited the church in person and raised more threats, which the pastor reported to the sheriff’s department.
Officials said deputies arrested Richardson for the threat of crime and found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives in his car. He was booked at the Orange County Jail.
“While such incidents can be disturbing, they also emphasize the power of the community,” the sheriff’s department released. “If something seems to be something wrong, say something. Trust your intuition and report suspicious activity, whether it’s a weird message, an abnormal behavior or an incorrect thing. Your appeal may stop before the crime occurs.”
Representatives from the church and sheriff’s department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
