High Point, North Carolina – A man was arrested Sunday morning in the parking lot of Wesley Memorial Church during services after authorities responded to reports of an armed individual in a vehicle. William S. Milliken III, 44, of Thomasville, North Carolina, was taken into custody without incident, with police recovering a cache of weapons, including flamethrowers and crossbows, from his truck.
"Officers quickly contained the situation and prevented escalation." — Chief Curtis Cheeks III, High Point Police Chief
The incident unfolded around 10:15 a.m. when a 911 caller reported an armed man wearing camouflage clothing in a truck outside the church. An off-duty officer, working security at Wesley Memorial Church, made initial contact with Milliken. During this encounter, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer, claiming he was enforcing a smoking violation on church property. Backup officers quickly arrived, removed Milliken from the vehicle, disarmed him, and placed him under arrest. No injuries were reported during the operation, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Following the arrest, investigators conducted a search of Milliken's vehicle, uncovering a significant arsenal. According to police reports, the recovered items included two flamethrowers, a CO2-powered launcher designed to resemble a handgun, two crossbows, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, multiple knives, rolls of black duct tape, and oxycodone pills. Milliken was also found to be wearing a plate carrier, a type of body armor, at the time of his apprehension. Authorities confirmed that a notebook discovered inside the vehicle contained addresses of churches, schools, and other public buildings. Investigators stated that this discovery has expanded the scope of the case as detectives work to determine the suspect’s intent, WFMY News 2 reported.
Milliken has since been charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. He was booked into the Guilford County Jail, and his bond was set at $250,000, according to police reports. High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III credited both the responding officers and the initial 911 caller for their swift actions, stating that their efforts ensured the safety of those attending services and allowed worship to continue without disruption. Chief Cheeks emphasized that officers quickly contained the situation and prevented escalation. Officials have not released a motive for Milliken's actions and have not confirmed any connection between him and Wesley Memorial Church.
The heavy police presence during morning services caused alarm and confusion among residents in the surrounding area as officers secured the parking lot and nearby streets. Wesley Memorial Church released a statement confirming the incident on its campus during Sunday services and assured its congregation that there was no ongoing threat following the arrest, WGHP reported. Authorities reiterated that the situation was brought under control quickly and that no injuries occurred, aiming to reassure the community. The discovery of the notebook with addresses of other public buildings has raised concerns about the potential broader implications of Milliken's intent, prompting a thorough investigation by law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding Milliken's motive and the full extent of his plans, particularly in light of the weapons cache and the list of public building addresses found in his possession. The swift response by local law enforcement and the vigilance of a community member were pivotal in preventing a potentially dangerous situation from escalating, ensuring public safety in High Point. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence recovered from the vehicle and assessing whether additional charges may be filed.
