By: Yuritza Arroyo
Camden County authorities reported that a Deptford man has been charged with Bias Intimidation and multiple weapons offenses after setting fires and causing property damage at several churches on Friday morning.
According to Camden County officials, on January 13, 2023, at approximately 7:11 a.m., Peter Sirolli, 40, of Deptford, is accused of setting a 10-foot cross on fire on the lawn of the St. Patrick’s Church in Woodbury.
Authorities say Sirolli is accused of traveling to St. Theresa’s Church in Runnemede, and at approximately 7:29 a.m., he attempted to throw a rock through the church’s window.
Sirolli is then accused of traveling to the Our Lady of Hope Church in Gloucester Township, and at approximately 7:39 a.m., he allegedly broke a window with a rock.
According to Gloucester Police, Sorelli is also accused of lighting the church’s flagpole on fire that displayed the American flag.
Police say at approximately 7:45 a.m., Sirolli was stopped by police in his vehicle in Deptford, and Gloucester Township Police officers took him into custody.
Sirolli has been arrested and charged with the following offenses by the Runnemede, Gloucester Township, and Woodbury Police Departments:
Runnemede Police Department Charges:
· 3rd-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
· 4th-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Gloucester Township Police Department Charges:
· 3rd-degree Possession of a Weapon Unlawful Purpose
· 4th-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
· 3rd-degree Criminal Mischief · 2nd degree Eluding · 2nd degree Bias Intimidation Woodbury Police Department Charges:
· 4th-degree Criminal Mischief
· 3rd-degree Arson
· Desecration of a Sacred Object-Disorderly Persons
· 4th degree Bias Intimidation