Sunday services at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point were abruptly interrupted when a Thomasville man pulled into the parking lot with a truck full of weapons, prompting an evacuation and a rapid police response. Officers moved in, detained the driver and reported that no one was hurt. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old William S. Milliken III, was taken into custody without incident.
In a news release yesterday, High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III credited both officers and alert community members with heading off a potentially dangerous situation, according to the Charlotte Observer. "Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt," Cheeks wrote. Police say the encounter unfolded around 10:15 a.m. Sunday in the church parking lot.
What officers found in the truck
Once officers searched the pickup, the scene got even more unnerving. Inside, they reported finding a CO2-powered launcher designed to look like a handgun, two flamethrowers, two crossbows, a pepper-ball launcher, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, rolls of black duct tape, multiple knives and oxycodone pills, as reported by WXII. Police also say Milliken was wearing body armor and carrying a notebook that listed addresses for churches, schools and other public buildings. Officers disarmed him at the scene and seized the items as evidence.
Charges and custody
Court documents show Milliken has been charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, misdemeanor impersonation of a law enforcement officer and possession of a controlled substance, according to the Charlotte Observer. Prosecutors have not announced a motive, and detectives have not said whether Milliken has any connection to the Wesley Memorial congregation. He is being held at a Guilford County detention center while the case moves forward.
What the law says
North Carolina law defines a wide-ranging category of "weapon of mass death and destruction" and makes it illegal to manufacture, possess or sell such devices. A violation of N.C.G.S. § 14-288.8 is classified as a Class F felony. As outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly, the term can cover explosive or incendiary devices, certain converted firearms and silencers, and carries felony penalties.
How the scene unfolded
According to local reports, an off-duty officer working at the church was the first to confront Milliken in the parking lot. Within minutes, additional High Point officers arrived and took him into custody without further trouble, allowing church services to resume after the area was cleared, as reported by WXII. Investigators are continuing to review evidence and have not released more details about the case.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have information or video from the Wesley Memorial parking lot around the time of the incident to contact the High Point Police Department to assist with the ongoing investigation.
