SW News: Eric Beck, a 30-year-old Painesville, Ohio citizen has been caught and officially charged in connection with the damaging acts of vandalism and arson that occurred at Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby, Ohio. The event took place in the early hours of August 12, 2023.

The police detained him after discovering that he had attempted to set fire to the church, causing $20,000 in damage. Authorities allege they saw Beck at Immaculate Conception Church after responding to a motion alarm report at about 2 am on Saturday.

Beck, according to investigators, damaged the church after entering via a chapel that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As stated by the police, Beck then walked into the main church and destroyed various places, including the altar and a section with candle holders.

A photograph of the damaged church shows a shattered crucifix, an overturned kneeler, and a smashed candle. Beck then reportedly tried to set fire to a carpet leading up to the altar with a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a statue of the Blessed Mother was reported to have crashed in one of the police reports.

Meanwhile, police questioned Beck about his religious views, according to the church's priest, Father Michael Troha. Beck purportedly said that, despite his parents' strong religious views, he stopped attending church at the age of 18.

Beck appeared in court on Monday morning, according to officials. He is facing felony charges of breaking and entering, as well as fire and property damage. According to the authorities, he might face further charges in the future.