Man fatally shot at altar of California Catholic church: report
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An armed man was fatally shot Sunday afternoon inside a Catholic church in California’s Santa Ana, a report said.
The Orange County Register reported that the shooting occurred at the altar shortly after officers were flagged down at about 4:20 p.m.
Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said it is believed that the man was distraught over a relationship. Police said there was no intent for a mass shooting.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities were told someone inside Immaculate Heart of Mary Church had a gun, Bertagna said. The officers engaged and found the man with a gun inside the church, and then the shooting took place shortly thereafter, Bertagna said.
The man ran outside with the gun and collapsed on a nearby street, Bertagna said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Chief David Valentin said witnesses reported the man was distraught and possibly suicidal; and it didn't appear he was planning a mass shooting.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"It's tragic, it really is. Any loss of life, it's tragic. In this circumstance, it's a place of worship," Valentin said. "People come here for comfort, spiritual healing, support, so for this to happen here it's traumatic for everyone involved."
The suspect was not publically identified.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report