ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The man suspected of stealing a large crucifix from a Green Bay church and using it to damage Fox 11’s outdoor, electronic sign on Friday has been arrested.
Investigators say Brendan McSweeney was taken into custody later that night in Wausau, after causing another disturbance.
In that second incident, officers note McSweeney was wearing a mask and the same clothing from the previous crime, while driving a Blue Ford Focus.
He reportedly caused a disturbance at a pizza place, yelling at officers who approached him.
Court records say McSweeney shouted “do you believe in Jesus Christ” at one officer and ‘aggressively inched closer’ to the officers before being tased.
When McSweeney ran off, the officers say they chased, tackled, and arrested him.
McSweeney’s uncle, reportedly contacted police about the 29-year-old Chicago resident’s unusual behavior, saying these kind of incidents often happen when he does not take medications for his mental illness.
In Marathon County, McSweeney has been charged with Disorderly Conduct (x2), Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, and Criminal Damage to Property.
He faces felony counts of Theft and Criminal Damage to Personal Property and one misdemeanor count of Disorderly Conduct in Brown County.
