Arsonist attempts to set fire to a church altar in Odesa

The offender attempted to set fire to a church. Photo: National Police

Odesa police have detained a man who attempted to set fire to a church. The perpetrator was unable to carry out his plan fully, and fortunately, there were no damages or injuries. The suspect has been charged and faces up to ten years in prison.

The incident was reported to the police by the church’s rector. Law enforcement identified the arsonist and apprehended him near his residence in the same Odesa neighborhood. The suspect turned out to be a 21-year-old man.

It was revealed that he had purchased bottles of flammable liquid from a supermarket, entered the church, poured the liquid around the perimeter of the hall, lit some banknotes, and threw them on the floor. The banknotes burned out and extinguished. At that moment, a church worker entered the room. The perpetrator pushed her aside and fled. The motives behind the arsonist's actions are currently unknown.

"A series of examinations will be conducted as part of the investigation, including a psychological evaluation to assess the suspect's mental state. The procedural oversight in this case is being handled by the Prymorsky District Prosecutor's Office of Odesa," said Petro Chefarlychev, the head of the investigation department of Police Station No. 5, Odesa District Police Department No. 1.

As reported by the UOJ, a lightning strike hit the UOC monastery in Odesa.

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