Man drove across country with weapons, made threats after targeting Catholic monastery, officials say
Share this @internewscast.com

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has apprehended a man from Alabama named Joshua Michael Richardson. Authorities stated that Richardson arrived equipped with brass knuckles, knives, high-capacity magazines, and body armor after allegedly threatening a Catholic monastery in California.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Richardson was detained late last month after reports surfaced about threatening emails sent to St. Michael’s Abbey. These emails, reported on August 28, were deemed threatening by investigators.

The situation intensified when authorities indicated that Richardson drove from Alabama to Southern California, making an appearance at the abbey and issuing further threats. A priest who encountered Richardson reported the incident to the sheriff’s department two days later, prompting an immediate investigation.

Sergeant Gerard McCann informed the Orange County Register that it is believed Richardson made the journey from Alabama and reached California on the same day he visited the abbey.

Shooting at Annunciation Church

Officers establish boundaries following a shooting at Annunciation Church, located with an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Aug. 27, 2025. (Reuters/Ben Brewer)

Sheriff’s officials stressed the importance of community vigilance.

“Although incidents like this can be unsettling, they emphasize the strength of community,” officials stated. “If something feels wrong, speak up. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious actions, whether it’s an odd message, unusual behavior, or anything that feels amiss. Your alertness could prevent a crime before it unfolds.”

The investigation remains active, and authorities urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for comment. 

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kids watch as Chuck E. Cheese mascot gets arrested for alleged credit card theft

Children Witness Chuck E. Cheese Mascot’s Arrest for Suspected Credit Card Fraud

Kids and parents watched as a Florida man dressed in a Chuck…
Kevin Donohue identified as Malvern Prep student killed in freak accident involving deer on Route 322 in Chester County

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Malvern Prep Student Kevin Donohue After Deer Collision on Route 322 in Chester County

A student from Malvern Preparatory School has been recognized as the young…
College student gunned down by ex-boyfriend after months of stalking: report

College Student Fatally Shot by Ex-Boyfriend Following Months of Stalking: Report

A college student in Michigan was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend over…
A $1.4B Powerball jackpot is up for grabs after 40 drawings without a winner

Massive $1.4 Billion Powerball Jackpot Awaits Winners After 40 Draws Without a Lucky Ticket

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A lottery jackpot estimated at $1.4 billion…
FBI's Kash Patel vows agency won't stop combating DC crime until 'every community is safe' after 550 arrests

FBI’s Operation Box Cutter Charges 22 Chinese Nationals and Firms Linked to Fentanyl Ingredient Supply

The FBI is actively dismantling the fentanyl supply chain right at its…
Rubio promises more strikes on Venezuelan cartels: ‘We’re not going to sit back anymore’

Rubio Vows Increased Action Against Venezuelan Cartels: ‘We Won’t Stand Idle Any Longer’

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered firm support for President…
Man shot in the leg during fight in Pelham

Man Injured in Leg During Pelham Altercation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — One man is dead while another is in…
Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh challenges president to round of golf

Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Trump, invites the former president for a game of golf.

Ryan Routh, the accused would-be assassin of President Donald Trump, challenged the…
Minneapolis Catholic school shooter's life marked by chaos before mass killing: timeline

Timeline of Turmoil: The Troubled Life of the Minneapolis Catholic School Shooter Before the Tragedy

A week after a crazed 23-year-old shot and killed two children and…
'Dancing with the Stars' season 34: Meet the celebrity cast

Meet the Celebrity Cast of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 34

The celebrity cast competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on “Dancing with…
Venus Williams' coach reveals secret to training oldest US Open player

Coach Shares Key Strategies for Training Venus Williams, the Oldest Player in the US Open

Venus Williams served up plenty of history-making game this US Open. The…
Man charged after 11-year-old boy fatally shot in Houston during ‘ding dong ditch’ prank

Man Arrested Following Fatal Shooting of 11-Year-Old in Houston Ding Dong Ditch Incident

HOUSTON (KIAH) – An 11-year-old boy was fatally shot in Houston after…