By james art LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – As authorities investigate a “suspicious” church fire in North Las Vegas, FOX5 has learned this isn’t the first time church property has been damaged.
The fire broke out in the back of the Tabernacle of Faith Church on Thursday around 2 p.m., according to the North Las Vegas Fire Department.
The church is located just off Lake Mead Blvd. and I-15.
Lead Pastor Fredrick Johnson says they have had incidents of damage in the past, including windows being broken, fences being cut and air conditioners being stolen. The church now has cells around the air conditioning units on the roof.
Last week’s fire was the most extreme incident they’ve experienced, Johnson says.
“What we’re not going to do is panic,” Johnson says. “Hopefully we’ll find someone responsible for this, but in the meantime we’re prayerfully and wisely figuring out what we can do to make it safer.”
The church has a “no trespassing” sign posted, but they plan to increase security even more. They want to add cameras and a strong fence around the property.
Johnson says they are not giving up or going out of business and that they will continue to serve the community they have called home for more than 30 years.
“To those who have done this, I am charged to forgive you and say I love you and I pray that whatever is going on in their lives, God will make it right,” he says.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department at 702-633-9111.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555 or online.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.