A man who barricaded himself inside a Bristol house on Friday threatened two churches last week, according to police.
Last week, Farmington police said they began investigating threats allegedly made by Michael Pickering, 41, of Bristol, against staff at St. Mary’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church, both in Farmington. Investigators said the threats occurred on July 25 and appeared to show an anti-Catholic bias.
During the investigation, a warrant for Pickering’s arrest was requested and issued on Thursday. When Farmington and Bristol police attempted to serve the warrant for Pickering’s arrest at his Bristol home, authorities said he refused to leave and the warrant was not served.
According to police, after they attempted to carry out the warrant, they learned that Pickering was actively barricading himself inside his home and was making additional threats against police on social media.
After several hours of failed negotiations, tear gas was administered from outside the home. Pickering then left the house and was taken into custody.
He faces charges including intimidation based on bigotry and bias, stalking, breach of the peace and harassment. She is due in court on Monday.
Bristol Police also have an active warrant for his arrest in connection with his threatening behaviour.
No injuries were reported.
