Man had flamethrowers and crossbows as he sat outside church service, NC police say

A man impersonating a law enforcement officer was armed with two flamethrowers, two crossbows, a pepper ball launcher and multiple knives when he showed up during Sunday church services, North Carolina investigators say.

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The discovery was made around 10:15 a.m. Sunday, in the parking lot of Wesley Memorial Church in High Point, according to the High Point Police Department.

William S. Milliken III, 44, was arrested after someone called 911 to report “an armed man” dressed in camouflage clothing was sitting in a truck, officials said.

“Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt,” Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III said in a June 29 news release.

“The officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely. We also want to thank the community members who recognized a potential danger and had the courage to speak up.”

Milliken is charged with felony possessing a weapon of mass destruction, misdemeanor impersonating a law enforcement officer and possession of a controlled substance, according to court documents.

Read more Man had flamethrowers and crossbows as he sat outside church service, NC police say

Details of a motive have not been released and detectives have not said if the suspect has ties to the congregation.

Investigators say he was initially confronted by an off-duty police officer who was working at the church. Milliken identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and said he was enforcing a smoking violation at the church, court documents say.

“Additional officers arrived within a few minutes. The officers disarmed the man and took him into custody without incident,” police said.

Milliken was wearing body armor and a search of his vehicle revealed:

• CO2-powered launcher, designed to resemble a handgun
• Two flamethrowers
• Two crossbows
• More than 500 rounds of ammunition
• Rolls of black duct tape (three yards)
• Three knives
• Oxycodone pills

Milliken also had a notebook with the addresses of churches, schools and public buildings in the community, according to court documents.

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High Point is about a 75-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.