Man faces arson charges after setting large wooden cross on fire outside Dauphin County church, police say

A man was charged after setting a cross on fire outside a Dauphin County church on Saturday, according to the Steelton Borough Police Department.

Officers were called to North Second and Pine streets around 5:30 p.m. and found a large wooden cross on fire in front of St. John’s Lutheran Church, according to officials.

Investigators said the cross was burning from the base to about three feet upward.

“The cross, which stands approximately 20 feet tall, holds historical significance to the church and its congregation,” said Steelton Borough police.

Authorities said witnesses saw the suspect spraying an unknown substance on the cross before igniting it.

After quickly searching the area, police located the suspect and identified him as 27-year-old Dequire Cannon, according to investigators.

Read more: WGAL