MILWAUKEE — Charges have been filed for the Green Bay man accused of using an axe to damage the front door of Gesu Church on Marquette University’s campus.
50-year-old Aron Ferris is charged with felony criminal damage to a religious property and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
According to a criminal complaint, police arrived to the church on Wisconsin Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday to find axe damage to the front door of the church.
Inside the church, they found Ferris sitting near the altar twirling an axe. He informed officers that he was “God” and that “he created everyone.” He refused to comply with officers commands, stating “if you shoot me, the bullet will head towards me and then turn around and go back towards you.”
Eventually, police were able to throw Ferris’ weapons out of the area and take him into custody.
Ferris told police he used an axe to get into the church “because it was locked.”
Upon searching his belongings police located the following:
- An axe with a carrying case
- Several knives, one that appeared homemade
- Handguns and ammo
- Snacks
- Energy drinks
- A first aid kit
Church of the Gesu says the damage adds up to about $50,000.
