Man Accused Of Attempting To Start Fire In Miami Beach Church

MIAMI BEACH, FL -- A man, whom police described as homeless, was accused of attempting to start a fire in a Miami Beach Catholic church during one of the most solemn weeks of the year and just days after the world watched in horror as the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris erupted in flames.

Thirty-eight-year-old Anthony G. Henstchel was charged with attempted second-degree arson following the incident at St. Patrick Catholic Church, according to Miami Beach police.

The incident happened around 9:07 a.m. Wednesday when Henstchel allegedly tried to set an American flag on fire at the church, which is located at 3716 Garden Ave.

A witness told police that Henstchel had been disruptive in the past but was allowed to stay for morning mass.

"The subject then began to disrupt the service and was asked to leave," arrest documents said. "The defendant then became angry as he was escorted from the service area."

Court documents said Henstchel allegedly pulled out a lighter and burned the tassels on the flag.

Documents also said there was a Catholic flag nearby and as well as linen cloth to mark the religious celebration of Lent.

"The close proximity of all these items presented a danger," court documents said. "Had only one of these items caught on fire it would have caused all of them to be ablaze. This in turn would have caused the flames to reach the wooden ceiling to catch fire as well."

Police said children were attending mass at the time. Officers described the church as an old building.

"All of these factors could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of life," court documents explained.

When police arrived, the suspect had already fled.

Henstchel was arrested a short time later in the 500 block of 17 Street. He was subsequently identified by a witness, according to court documents.