A man is in custody after interrupting Sunday service at a Charlottesville church and attacking multiple congregants.
There were no serious injuries to report at the scene and congregants said it appeared to be an isolated incident as the man seemed mentally unwell.
Philip Seong Salkowe, 38, has been charged with seven counts of assault and battery.
Charlottesville police were dispatched to a reported assault around 9:45 a.m. Sunday to St. Paul’s Memorial Church, an Episcopal church on the University of Virginia-adjacent Corner.
According to congregants, Salkowe, who was attending service, suddenly stood and began physically assaulting those near him.
“Thanks to the quick actions of those in attendance, Mr. Salkowe was restrained until officers arrived and took him into custody without further incident,” the police department said in a statement issued later in the day.
Salkowe remains in custody at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Salkowe is encouraged to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
“We are thankful for the brave actions of the congregants who intervened quickly to prevent more serious injuries,” Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis is quoted in the police department’s statement.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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