Gateway Man in jail after being accused of trashing Trinity Lutheran Church in Lee County

GATEWAY, Fla. (WINK) — A man is behind bars in Lee County, accused of vandalizing Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office released surveillance video showing Aaron Vicente breaking into the church. Sheriff Carmine Marceno said Vicente does not have a criminal history but may have a mental illness.

"He forces himself inside," Marceno said. "While inside, he destroys tables. He destroys the drum sets. He's flipping things over. He actually takes the guitar. He goes outside. He smashes it against the tree. He defecates in the parking lot in the sign of a cross, and then takes the feces on him and puts the feces on himself."

After Vicente left the church, he walked to a neighboring 7-Eleven. A clerk immediately called 911, and deputies arrested Vicente shortly after.

"Religious structures are so critically important, and we're not going to tolerate this ever," Marceno said. "People have to be safe."

Bryant Tinsley lives within walking distance of the church. He said he's glad no one was hurt.

"Maybe he'll get the help he needs, or if it was just something out of rage or trying to vent his anger, maybe he gets the punishment that he deserves," Tinsley said.

Tinsley urged people to seek help before resorting to destructive behavior.

"Don't be so quick to anger and don't be so quick to vent that anger, especially on people and property," Tinsley said. "So if you have something wrong, you need to talk about it. You know, talking is better than violence."

Church officials told WINK News the damage was limited and could be cleaned up within a few hours. They are continuing to pray for Vicente.