Man in custody after Delaware priest assaulted

Wilmington, Del., Jul 31, 2018 / 23:01 pm

A 25-year-old man is in custody after reportedly attacking an elderly priest and another parish employee in Delaware.

Joshua August allegedly attacked Fr. William Graney in his office at Resurrection Parish in Pike Creek. According to local media, he was discovered mid-assault after employees at the parish heard arguing and commotion in Graney's office.

After August punched and kicked Graney, police say, he then poured a bottle of wine over the priest and struck him with the bottle, before spraying compressed air into Graney's mouth.

Police say Graney was transported to a hospital, where he is in stable condition. Another parish employee was injured in the attack with minor injuries, according to reports. The parish remains closed and daily Mass has been canceled until further notice.

Parish employees convinced August to leave the church after they offered him money and a ride, and then locked the doors behind him, police say. After attempting to break into the church, August then left the scene on a skateboard, according to witnesses, and was quickly apprehended by officers. He is being held on more than $50,000 bail.

August has been charged with felony assault, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief.

No motive has been released for the attack.