The man suspected of vandalizing a Redlands church, causing $20,000 in damages, was arrested Friday morning, Dec. 13, the Redlands Police Department announced.
Police identified Bradley Raye Bryson, 26, of Mentone as the man suspected of damaging church property and threatening a parishioner on Dec. 6, based of the description of him and his vehicle given by witnesses.
According to the witnesses, Bryson entered the El Camino Catholic Church and claimed Jesus had let him down. Witnesses said he threw statues depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary holding Jesus, and St. Miriam at the altar, and caused damage to a marble railing and some walls. Bryson also allegedly threatened a woman who was praying.
Bryson is reportedly a former parishioner of the retreat.
“At this time, it does not appear to meet the requirements to be charged as a hate crime,” police spokesman Carl Baker said in a statement.
No motive has been given by Bryson or determined by investigators.
Bryson was arrested for felony vandalism and vandalism to a place.
