MANDEVILLE – A 51-year-old woman faces felony criminal damage charges after police say she destroyed the sanctuary at Mary Queen of Peace this afternoon.
Melinda Martin appeared to be suffering from a “possible mental or drug related episode” when Mandeville Police officers arrived at the church around 1:30 p.m. on October 25, according to chief Gerald Sticker.
Martin caused damage in excess of $5,000 before she was arrested and sent to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.
When she is released, Martin will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail, according to Sticker.
No students or faculty members were injured during the episode.
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