September 25, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – On September 25, 2026, at 10:20 a.m., the West Bend Police Department received a report of a man inside the Pilgrim Lutheran Church located at 462 Meadowbrook Drive attempting to start an object on fire. The man left the church when confronted by church staff, however, was located a short distance from the church by West Bend Police Officers and taken into custody without incident.
The investigation determined the man had used a lighter to start a crucifix on fire, resulting in minor damage. There was no fire spread beyond the crucifix and no injuries were reported.
The 50-year-old West Bend man was transported to the Washington County Jail for charges of Arson and Recklessly Endangering Safety. The investigation remains ongoing.