Molotov cocktail thrown at church — Richmond, VA

The Richland Police Department is still looking for the person that threw an apparent Molotov cocktail at the Apostolic Christian Church in Richland.

Colton Thomas, church neighbor, said his roommate saw the fire start on the side of the church, called 911 and the two of them went to stomp the fire out.

The church suffered minimal damage, but it could have completely destroyed the building if Thomas and his roommate did not take action.

“It makes me feel real good to finally do something good for once, and like help out the community.” Thomas said.

Captain Jeff Taylor, Richland Police Department, said he does not believe this incident is tied into a serial issue, but is still taking it very seriously.

“We’ve obviously put it out to all of our officers,” Taylor said. “They are aware of it and we’ll be providing extra patrols to churches throughout the city.”

Two other churches in the area have been subject to arson or vandalism in the last year.

The Word of Faith Center in Kennewick has been struck by arson twice in the last year, while the Mormon Temple in Richland has been hit seven times with vandalism since January.

http://www.kvewtv.com/article/2011/may/19/police-investigating-church-arson-richland/