A violent tirade outside a church in Whitman, Massachsuetts, has resulted in an arrest.
Michael Thomann, 50, was in Brockton District Court Friday afternoon, answering to charges stemming from an incident that happened on Tuesday evening.
Thomann allegedly walked into the Cardinal Spellman Center, swore at a CCD class full of kids and then left. He also reportedly smashed out a windshield with a bat in the parking lot outside.
“Malicious damage to property is one thing. Obviously it's a crime. Obviously we're concerned with why he entered the Spellman Center,” said detective Mark Porier.
Concerned for the community, Whitman police put surveillance photos on Facebook. Ultimately, it's what helped police crack the case.
“At approximately 9:00 a.m., Justin Michaels from NECN called and believed he had matched the suspect,” said deputy chief Tim Hanlon.
After following up on Michael’s lead, Thomann was arrested at a treatment center he had been staying at on 484 Washington Street.
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He's been charged with disorderly conduct and malicious damage to a motor vehicle.
Thomann’s motives are unclear at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Thomann's sister told police her brother has had several brain injuries and that he’s addicted to Adderall.
Thomann was released on personal recognizance and has been ordered to stay away from the Cardinal Spellman Center and all of the witnesses.
He’s next scheduled to appear in court on March 19.
