EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 35-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly tried to set a Central El Paso church on fire, El Paso Police said.
Marynka Marquez, age 35, of Denton, Texas, was arrested on a charge of arson with intent of causing damage to a habitation or place of worship, police said.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, police responded to Beth El Bible Church at 6440 Montana Avenue in reference to an arson.
Police said their investigation showed that a woman — later identified as Marquez — had gone to the church, placed a large bag against the outside wall, set it on fire and then fled.
Fortunately, the pastor was leaving the church when he spotted the fire and quickly put it out, police said.
The fire marshals and the Special Investigation Unit from the El Paso Police Department began investigating the arson.
The investigation showed the bag contained a paper plate with hateful language inscribed upon it, police said.
The investigation also identified Marquez as the person responsible for the fire.
She was located the following day and taken into custody.
She was released from the Downtown jail after posting a $20,000 surety bond on Monday, Sept. 21, according to jail records.
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