Suspect charged in Brooklyn Park Salvation Army vandalism, arson
ROSEVILLE, Minn. -- A Salvation Army location in Brooklyn Park was set to distribute winter coats to those in need Friday, but an alleged arsonist damaged the building Thursday night.
The organization shared photos of the damage done to the worship and service center on the 10000 block of Noble Parkway, saying that the intentionally-set fire was contained thanks to the building's sprinkler system.
According to police, officers responded and located a suspicious male in the area during a search. That person was later determined to be the suspect in the arson after a review of surveillance footage.
Security video showed the suspect piling a chair and coats onto a pew in the chapel before setting them on fire, the Salvation Army said.
"This has been devastating to our staff here," Captain Josh Polanco, who leads the Brooklyn Park location, said. "Our food shelf here is fairly new, and membership at our church has been growing. But we will make the necessary repairs, because the families in the community rely on us for assistance."
On Friday afternoon, prosecutors charged Jack Douglas Heinrich, 33, with arson, burglary, and damage to property. He already had felony warrants for fourth-degree drugs and fourth-degree assault on a peace officer, charging documents say.
A number of windows were also broken, Salvation Army vehicles were damaged, as well as the building's food shelf area.
Charges state that Heinrich caused hundreds and thousands of dollars in damage to the church property.
A motive for Heinrich's behavior is not yet known, police said. An investigation is ongoing, and Heinrich is in custody.
"The person that came in, came in with a lot of rage," Polanco said. "We had appointments lined up all day [Friday] to serve families."
Every coat had to be thrown out instead of given away.
"Those coats we're all damaged by smoke and glass. We have zero coats to give out [Friday]," said Corporal Dan Jennings, the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army of Minnesota and North Dakota.
As they begin their busiest season, fundraising will be extra crucial this Christmas.
"We need a little bit more this year because we have to now back fill all the expenses of getting this building back up in place," said Jennings.
Police say Heinrich didn't steal anything, which Polanco finds even more disturbing.
"I think when people are in pain, they inflict pain on others, they don't intend to, but hurt people hurt people," said Polanco, "That's a life that needs help and redemption, and I pray that he gets it."
For information on Salvation Army drop-off locations and ways to volunteer, click here.
