A Wichita man is facing multiple charges after a shocking case of burglary and vandalism at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Authorities say 23-year-old Michael Angel Gonzalez caused extensive damage to the church, including spray-painted hate speech and the burning of an American flag.
Wichita police responded to the church, located in the 2000 block of North Arkansas, on Saturday and discovered the destruction. Gonzalez was later arrested and formally charged in Sedgwick County District Court on Wednesday. His charges include burglary, criminal desecration, theft, and criminal damage to property.
During his court appearance, the judge set Gonzalez’s bond at $500,000.
This disturbing incident has left the local Catholic community shaken. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the crime, while church members work to restore their place of worship.
