Armed Man Arrested Outside North Carolina Church

Police in High Point, North Carolina, apprehended a 44-year-old man, William S. Milliken III, after reports of an armed individual outside Wesley Memorial Church. On Sunday, a 911 call alerted authorities about Milliken sitting in the church’s parking lot with a gun, dressed in camouflage.

Quick action from an off-duty officer at the church led to Milliken’s arrest just moments after his location was reported. Additional officers arrived to assist.

After his arrest, police searched Milliken’s vehicle and revealed a troubling assortment of weapons and gear: two flamethrowers, two crossbows, over 500 rounds of ammunition, duct tape, several knives, oxycodone pills, and a launcher designed to look like a handgun.

Furthermore, court documents suggest he carried a notebook containing addresses of various sensitive locations, along with GPS coordinates and mapping tools, which raised additional concerns regarding his intentions.

Milliken is facing serious charges, including possession of a weapon of mass destruction, impersonation of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a controlled substance. Currently, he is being held in the Guilford County Jail, with his bail set at $250,000.

High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III expressed relief that officers acted promptly to prevent potential harm. He stated, “Thanks to the quick actions of officers, the armed man was taken into custody before anyone was injured. Officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and assisted everyone attending the church service to return home safely.”