Police Stop Man With Flamethrowers Outside Church Service

A heavily armed man was arrested earlier this week outside a North Carolina church after authorities found an arsenal of weapons, including two flamethrowers, in his truck. 

On Sunday morning during a service, a caller reported that an armed man wearing camouflage clothing was sitting in his truck in the parking lot of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. Authorities responded to the call and arrested 44-year-old William S. Milliken III, charging him with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, impersonation of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a controlled substance, according to the High Point Police Department.

Milliken was wearing body armor during his arrest and was disarmed by officers. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at Guilford County Jail.

After Milliken’s arrest, the officers searched his truck and discovered several weapons, including a CO2-powered launcher made to resemble a handgun, two flamethrowers, two crossbows, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, rolls of black duct tape, three knives, and Oxycodone pills, according to police.

WFMY reported that court documents revealed Milliken had a history of mental health issues. He possessed GPS coordinates, body armor, radios with police scanners, handcuff keys, an enlarged map of North Carolina, and a notebook with addresses of other churches, schools, and public buildings.

“Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt,” Chief Curtis Cheeks III said. “The officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely.

“We also want to thank the community members who recognized a potential danger and had the courage to speak up. As we work to keep High Point safe, it is crucial that we continue to look out for each other,” Cheeks said.

Mayor Cyril Jefferson of High Point also spoke out about the incident.

“Most importantly, no one was hurt,” Jefferson said. “Hundreds of people who had gathered to worship were able to return home safely to their families.”