Police: Arson, But Not Bias, Suspected In Church Fire

By  //  February 18, 2015

graffiti included swastikas, Arabic writing

Aaron A. Belka, 41, of Melbourne was struck and killed by a train Saturday night, according to the Melbourne Police Department.
Arson, but not bias, is suspected in a fire that Melbourne police officers and firefighters responded to at about 2:38 a.m. Monday at the Shiloh Christian Church, located at 3900 Sarno Road.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Arson, but not bias, is suspected in a fire that Melbourne police officers and firefighters responded to at about 2:38 a.m. Monday at the Shiloh Christian Church, located at 3900 Sarno Road. (See map below)

Once on scene, a small active fire was discovered in an exterior attached maintenance shed. A fire investigator was called to the scene for further investigation of the cause of the fire.

According to the Melbourne Police Department, the investigation has not revealed any motivation of bias against the identified victims or church, nor any connection between the varied range and style of graffiti located at the scene.

The graffiti discovered on scene included the unrelated forms of an anime-based meme, swastikas, Arabic writing and crude anatomical references.

MELBOURNE-POLICE-180
“Based on the available information and evidence, we believe this case is an isolated incident of localized juvenile vandalism,” said Lt. Cheryl Trainer of the Melbourne Police Department in a release.

“Based on the available information and evidence, we believe this case is an isolated incident of localized juvenile vandalism,” said Lt. Cheryl Trainer of the Melbourne Police Department in a release.

“There have been no other reported incidents of graffiti or arson. We are continuing to investigate this case and will diligently pursue leads or information as it becomes available.”

If you have any information that could help the assigned investigator, call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731or call the Melbourne Police Department tip line at (321) 608-TIPS (8477)

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ABOVE MAP: Arson, but not bias, is suspected in a fire that Melbourne police officers and firefighters responded to at about 2:38 a.m. Monday at the Shiloh Christian Church, located at 3900 Sarno Road.