A 51-year-old man was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out early last month at a Glendale church, the Glendale Police Department said Wednesday.
The fire was fortunately stopped before it caused much damage, but evidence suggests whoever started it was planning to create a bigger blaze, according to police.
Surveillance video captured at the scene shows a man throwing a Molotov cocktail onto church property, which is then set ablaze.
A Glendale police officer who was patrolling the area caught sight of the flames and was able to put them out, but was unaware it was intentionally set by someone who allegedly fled the scene once her patrol car arrived.
Investigators later uncovered a bag carrying additional Molotov cocktails, indicating the arsonist intended to start a much larger fire.
DNA evidence collected from the remaining devices led police to identify Maitz as the suspect.
Although detectives began investigating the incident as a hate crime as well as arson, once Maitz was connected to the crime officials discovered he was previously a member of the congregation and volunteer at the church before being banned because of unspecified inappropriate behavior. Investigators now believe a personal vendetta motivated the attack, rather than a generalized hatred of the church or its religion.
Led by pastor Melissa Scott, Faith Center is well-known for its televised sermons and has members worldwide.
Maitz has been charged with one count of arson and one count of use of a destruction device, according to police.
He was being held on $500,000 bail.
from KTLA http://ift.tt/2w8DOJn
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