A heavily-armed man has been arrested after turning up to a Catholic monastery following a series of online threats.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said that John Michael Richardson, 38, arrived at St Michael’s Abbey in California armed with body-armour, knives, brass knuckles and high-capacity magazines.
The department also confirmed that Mr Richardson was detained by officers last month after he reportedly sent the Catholic monastery waves of threatening emails.
Investigators revealed the situation spiralled when the suspect showed up to the building in person and began making more threats.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department shared this image of John Michael Richardson's weapons cache
|ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said that John Michael Richardson, 38, showed up to St Michael’s Abbey in California
|CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Seargent Gerald McCann said that Mr Richardson is believed to have driven over 2,000 miles from his home in Alabama to Southern California.
A priest who encountered Mr Richardson at the church reported him to the authorities, who swiftly located and arrested him.
After a search of his vehicle was carried out, deputies uncovered a large array of weapons.
The 38-year-old was later taken into custody and booked into the Orange County Jail.
The 38-year-old was later taken into custody and booked into the Orange County Jail (pictured)
|GETTY
Jarryd Gonzales, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Orange, issued a statement shortly after the incident which read: “The Diocese of Orange has been made aware of a threat directed toward St. Michael’s Abbey.
"Local law enforcement responded swiftly, and a suspect has been apprehended.
"We are grateful to the authorities for their quick action in ensuring the safety of our parish community.”
“In today’s environment of increased threats against Churches, and particularly mindful of recent events in Minnesota, our parishes and schools continue to strengthen security efforts and remain vigilant to help protect our parishioners, students and staff."
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Mr Richardson was charged with a number of offences by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office on Monday, including carrying a concealed dagger, possession of a large-capacity magazine and making criminal threats.
The sheriff's department said: "While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community.
If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behaviour, or something that does not sit right.
"Your call could stop a crime before it happens."
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