ST. GEORGE — The man allegedly responsible for setting fire to three churches in St. George reportedly told police he was acting in “righteous anger.”
On Wednesday, formal charges were filed against 36-year-old Benjamin James Johnson in connection with the fires set at three different chapels of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the early morning hours of Tuesday, including multiple counts of felony arson.
Johnson was arrested in Springdale on Tuesday after a 40-mile police pursuit that started in St. George. He was initially said to have been spotted leaving a chapel on River Road after two other church fires were reported shortly before. His apprehension occurred after police say he crashed the minivan he was driving into a boulder near the entrance to Zion National Park.
From there, the suspect was treated at the hospital, and once cleared by medical staff, he was transported to the St. George Police Department for questioning.
According to the probable cause statement written in support of the arrest, during the interview, Johnson continued to identify himself as “Joshua” and told investigators he is a “type of deity.” He also allegedly admitted to setting the three churches on fire. He went on to explain his behavior during the incidents, saying he set the fires out of “righteous anger,” according to the report.
While speaking to investigators, Johnson reportedly spit on one of the detectives and damaged some of the property in the interview room.
The reporting officer noted that Johnson poses a danger to the community, writing that his behavior and mental health status was concerning during his detainment, as well as his behavior during the pursuit.
According to the report, two of the churches sustained damage estimated to exceed $5,000 per building, while the third chapel sustained approximately $1,500 in landscaping damage.
St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker said there was extensive damage to the church on 3000 East, including significant fire, heat and water damage to the chapel as well as the lobby, offices hallway and surrounding areas. There was extensive fire damage to the front of the interior of the chapel, he said, as well as heavy smoke damage throughout the entire room.
Stoker said the Rustic Road chapel had landscaping damage only, while the chapel on River Road sustained fire damage to a couple of classrooms, as well as smoke and water damage to nearby rooms and other areas. The fire chief said the total monetary costs associated with the three fires has yet to be determined.
Johnson has been charged with two second-degree felony counts of arson with more than $5,000 in damage, along with one count each of third-degree felony evading and damaging a jail. The suspect also faces one misdemeanor count of arson, reckless driving and propelling a bodily substance at a police officer.
Johnson remains in custody at Purgatory Correctional Facility, and the investigation into the incidents is ongoing.
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