Man Drives Car into Florida Catholic Church, Sets Fire With Parishioners Inside

Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida fell victim to a vicious attack on Sat., July 11.

The Marion County Sheriff Office reported on their Facebook page that the man drove a minivan into the church’s front doors on Saturday morning with parishioners inside. He then set fire to the church on fire.

The crime led to a police chase, where they caught and arrested the suspect.

Here’s the release below:

Click here if you cannot see the post above.

The post reads, “Deputies were called out to the Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Southwest Highway 200 after a man drove his vehicle into the front doors and then lit a fire while parishioners were inside. He then led deputies on a vehicle chase and was soon captured. No serious injuries reported at this time. As more information becomes available, it will be released.”

Here’s enlarged photos below:

Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Facebook

The Diocese of Orlando responded with this statement:

“We praise God that no one was injured. We join in prayer for Father O’Doherty, the parishioners of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, our first responders, and the gentleman who caused this damage. May we come to know the Peace of the Lord. Masses will resume as normal in the parish hall beginning this evening.”

Here’s the release below:

Here’s enlarged photos below:

The Diocese of Orlando responded with this statement:

Please pray for this parish! Our Lady, Queen of Peace, please pray for them!