On April 12, 2016 at about 2:00 a.m., Flagstaff Police Department officers arrested 28 year old Terry Tsipai, and 54 year old Roland Aranjo for Aggravated Criminal Damage (place of worship), Endangerment and Reckless Burning at 224 S. Kendrick.
Officers were called to the area of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church near Butler Avenue in regards to two suspicious people on the property starting a fire. When Officers arrived in the area of west Butler and Kendrick, they noticed a framed glass case lying in the middle of the road. They also observed two persons near the shrine. One sitting on a wall, and the other person beginning to walk away. The subjects were identified as 28 year old Terry Tsipai, and 54 year old Roland Aranjo.
The officers discovered items of evidence including a lighter and paper which was consistent with what was located near the shrine. Officers contacted a witness who described two men, one sitting on the wall, and the other crouched down near a small fire. The eye witness contacted the police department.
Officers also noted cuts on Aranjo’s hands which would be consistent with the glass breakage on the shrine, and two lighters. It was discovered the fire was started because both men were cold. Officers documented extensive damage to the shrine along with a broken display box, broken pots, broken lights, and broken religious statues.
Terry Tsipai and Roland Aranjo were subsequently taken into custody and charged with the aforementioned crimes.
If you have any information regarding this felony crime please contact the Flagstaff Police Department detectives at 928 774-1414. Or if you have information and do not want to leave your name regarding any felony crime contact SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111.