Man broke into Gulfport church and set sanctuary on fire, police say
Gulfport police arrested a man accused of breaking into a Gulfport church and setting it on fire, Detective Jason Ducre said.
Blake Anthony Bagwell, 27, was booked into the Harrison County jail at 1:50 p.m. on three counts of burglary and one count of arson.
Bagwell is accused of breaking into Gulfport First United Methodist Church on 15th Avenue in downtown around 4 a.m. Wednesday.
The church shared information about the damage sustained in the blaze on their Facebook page.
The fire was set in the church’s sanctuary, destroying a floor camera and several pews in the church.
The fire caused additional damage to floor carpeting around the camera and left a smoke smell in its wake.
“Our beautiful stained glass windows and dome were not affected,” the church said onFacebook. “....While the water damage is fairly limited, the sanctuary is permeated with smoke smell.”
The church is asking members to refrain from coming to the church until furhter notice due to the damages.
The suspect accused in the fire is also accused in two other unrelated burglaries, Ducre said.
The building is insured and adjusters have been out to help move forward with repairs.
“We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers, love, and support,” the church said in its announcement. “We will keep you updated when more information becomes available.”
Meanwhile, Bagwell is being held at the Harrison County on three counts of burglary and one count of arson. His bond is set at a total of $200,000, the jail docket shows.
