Schizophrenic suspect plows car into Catholic Church, sets it on fire as parishioners prepared for Mass

4years ago

Ocala news, Florida news.

A Florida suspect was all smiles as he confessed to plowing his car into an Ocala Catholic church on Saturday morning before setting it on fire as the parishioners prepared the foyer for Mass.

24-year-old Steven Anthony Shields crashed his vehicle against the front doors of Queen of Peace Catholic Church at around 7:30 a.m. and once inside, he began pouring gasoline and lit it on fire causing great damage to the property. None of the parishioners was injured.

Shields laughed and smiled as he boasted his “awesome” act during questioning. He said that he had a mission and he targeted the church because of some past problems. Investigators concluded that he was schizophrenic, and off-medication.

Shields has been charged with attempted murder, arson, and burglary.