Church Burning, Woman Found Playing Piano Inside

Posted: Updated:

By Chloe Beardsley - email

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Santa Maria police said when they arrived on scene smoke was coming from St. John Newman Church. When they walked in they found a woman playing the piano.

Officers say it happened Thursday at 3:20 a.m. on 960 W. Orchard in Santa Maria. The Santa Maria Fire Department was called to put the fire out. They believe it was intentionally started.

A religious statue was also knocked over.

Police arrested 24-year old Amanda Ruiz of Santa Maria. They said there was extensive damage inside the church. Officers said they found narcotics on the woman who was arrested.

Ruiz was booked on charged of burglary, arson and felony vandalism.

Police are still investigating, if you have any information call police at 805-928-3781.

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Church Burning, Woman Found Playing Piano Inside - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Church Burning, Woman Found Playing Piano Inside

News Right NowNewsMore>>