Man Arrested for Attempted Shooting at St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco

Man Arrested for Attempted Shooting at St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco

In a concerning incident on Tuesday afternoon, 22-year-old Debari Charvel Augustine of San Francisco was arrested by police for allegedly firing shots toward St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco, California.

The incident occurred while there were people inside the church, raising alarm and prompting swift law enforcement action.

Arrest and Charges:

Law enforcement authorities promptly apprehended Augustine, charging him with several serious offenses, including attempted murder, shooting into a dwelling, and possession of an assault weapon.

The severity of the charges reflects the potential harm posed by the suspect’s actions during the attack on the church.

Incident Details:

Despite the gravity of the situation, fortunately, no one was injured during the attack.

The parish, through its official Facebook page, communicated with parishioners to provide details about the incident.

The post revealed that the gunshots did make contact with the building, specifically targeting the church’s main doors.

However, crucially, none of the individuals inside the church were harmed during the disturbing event.

Vandalism and Limited Impact:

The church’s statement highlighted the major vandalism inflicted upon the closed main doors due to the gunshots.

Although the offender failed to gain entry to the church, the incident undoubtedly left a mark on the sacred space.

The parish emphasized that the primary doors, closed at the time of the incident, absorbed the impact of the gunshots, safeguarding those inside.

Community Notification and Response:

The parish swiftly notified its community through social media, using its Facebook page to share details of the incident and reassure parishioners of their safety.

The communication emphasized that, despite the vandalism and attempted attack, the security measures in place prevented any harm to the individuals attending the church at that time.

Law Enforcement Collaboration:

Following the initial escape from the scene, law enforcement agencies collaborated seamlessly to track down and identify Augustine.

The joint efforts of South San Francisco police, along with counterparts in San Mateo and San Francisco counties, led to the suspect’s arrest later in the evening.

Augustine was apprehended in San Francisco and subsequently transported to the San Mateo County Jail for booking.

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