A man who is reportedly suffering from mental health issues turned himself in to the police and is now facing an arson charge after a fire damaged a Portland Catholic church June 11.
The fire broke out in the early morning at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, causing partial damage to the church doors — an estimated $3,000 in damages, Portland NBC affiliate KGW8 reported.
The suspect, identified by local ABC affiliate KATU as 45-year-old Domanique L. Wahl-Stephens, called 911 to turn himself in about 20 minutes after firefighters arrived at Sacred Heart. Police then arrested him and determined that he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the fire, according to KGW8.
“This is how they [Wahl-Stephens] reached out and told people, ‘this is my problem, I’m troubled,’” Portland Fire spokesperson Rick Graves stated, KGW8 reported.
Portland Fire & Rescue had initially said on social media that the fire may have been “intentionally set.” Upon Wahl-Stephens’ arrest, he was charged with second-degree arson and taken to a detention center. Graves said that Wahl-Stephens’ mental state will be taken into account as his case progresses.
“As they’re moving forward with this individual, there will be discussions of mental capacity and what sort of pathway is best for this individual,” Graves said.
The church was able to continue operating regularly, KGW8 reported. A parishioner, Rosie Aughenbaugh, expressed concern and compassion for Wahl-Stephens.
“People must have troubles,” she said, according to KGW8, “and we need to pray for those in need, and the mental health issues with people; God loves them.”
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Author: Hannah Hiester
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