An armed man accused of posing as a law enforcement officer was arrested outside a North Carolina church Sunday after police say he arrived with an alarming cache of weapons, including flamethrowers, crossbows, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a notebook listing schools, churches, and other public buildings.
The incident unfolded during Sunday morning services at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in High Point, where a witness noticed the suspicious man in the parking lot and alerted authorities before anyone was harmed.
Police say the quick response by church members and officers likely prevented a dangerous situation from escalating.
Witnesses Alert Police
According to court documents, 44-year-old William S. Milliken III approached the church while claiming to be a law enforcement officer. Investigators say he told church personnel he was there to address a smoking violation.
An off-duty police officer attending services was the first to respond before additional officers arrived at the scene.
Authorities safely disarmed Milliken and took him into custody without incident. No injuries were reported.
He was later booked into the Guilford County Jail.
Search Reveals Large Weapons Cache
What began as a suspicious person call quickly expanded after officers searched Milliken’s truck.
According to police, investigators recovered:
- Two flamethrowers
- A handgun-style CO2 launcher
- More than 500 rounds of ammunition
- Three knives
- Two crossbows
- Rolls of black duct tape
- Oxycodone pills
- Body armor
- Handcuff keys
- Scanner-equipped radios
- A large map of North Carolina
- GPS coordinates
Investigators also reported finding a notebook containing addresses for schools, churches, and public buildings, raising additional questions about Milliken’s intentions.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether any of the listed locations were specifically targeted.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
High Point police charged Milliken with:
- Impersonating a law enforcement officer
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a weapon of mass destruction
The weapon of mass destruction charge stems from North Carolina law, which classifies certain incendiary devices and explosive weapons under that designation.
Investigators have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Police: Quick Action Prevented Violence
High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III credited both alert community members and responding officers with stopping the situation before anyone was injured.
“Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt,” Cheeks said. “The officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely.”
Cheeks also praised the witness who reported the suspicious activity.
“We also want to thank the community members who recognized a potential danger and had the courage to speak up,” he said. “As we work to keep High Point safe, it is crucial that we continue to look out for each other.”
Investigation Continues
Court documents referenced by local television station WFMY indicate Milliken has a history of mental health issues, though authorities have not released additional details.
Investigators have also not identified a motive or said whether Milliken had any connection to Wesley Memorial Methodist Church or anyone attending services that morning.
For now, police say the investigation remains active as they continue reviewing the evidence recovered from Milliken’s vehicle and work to determine why he arrived at the church armed with such an extensive collection of weapons and equipment.
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