A man has been charged after allegedly trying to stab a woman and set fire to a chair inside a Franklin County church, according to Chambersburg Police.
Nicholas Parker-Wright, 38, is facing various charges after an incident on July 22:
- Criminal attempted arson
- Causing/risking catastrophe
- Terroristic threats
- Institutional vandalism
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
Police said police were dispatched to the Cedar Street Mennonite Church about 6:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a suspect stabbing numerous people.
Investigators spoke to witnesses who stated that Parker-Wright had come to the church for a meal but became involved in an incident with someone in the dining room. According to witnesses, Parker-Wright had previous conflicts with this man.
The woman claimed Parker was about to stab her in the eye with a knife. According to police, Parker-Wright then slashed a church wall before strolling around the dining room aiming the same knife at many people.
According to the charging documents, Parker-Wright then seized a chair and attempted to set it on fire in the dining area, which officials claim was inhabited by children, the elderly, and the crippled.
Parker-Wright was then detained by many others inside the church before being arrested. He is still in Franklin County Prison on refused bail and awaits a preliminary hearing on July 29.
