Man Arrested After Allegedly Setting Fire to Local Church, Cross

The Richmond Police Department report recently responding to a call in reference to a fire at the First Presbyterian Church.

Upon arrival, police report discovering that an unknown subject had apparently started the blaze with a pile of debris at the front doors of the church.

Later that night, police report making contact with a 41-year-old male identified as Ronnie Mullins after recognizing him on the street. Officials report asking Mullins if he had been at the church recently, and he stated that he did not remember. Police then report advising Mullins that someone had set a cross on fire in front of the church and he then admitted to burning the cross at the church.

When asked why, Mullins allegedly stated that, “Jesus went to hell and back for his people and they do nothing for him, so burning the cross was a symbol of hell.”

Mullins was transported to the Madison County Detention Center on charges of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Arson 1st Degree.