UPDATE: Suspect arrested in connection with fire at Byron United Methodist Church

Byron Police identified Luke Westfield as the suspect.

UPDATE (8/22/2024): – A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fire that severely damaged Byron United Methodist Church on W Heritage Street late Tuesday night, according to Chief Wesley Cannon.

Byron Police identified Luke Westfield as the suspect. Westfield was taken into custody in Columbia County by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information has been released.

If you have any information, contact the Byron Police Department at (478) 956-2493, Macon Regional Crimestoppers or the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

ORIGINAL STORY (8/21/2024):

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Authorities are investigating a fire that severely damaged Byron United Methodist Church on W Heritage Street late Tuesday night.

The fire, which started around 11 p.m., destroyed the church’s office building, and the sanctuary sustained minimal damage, according to a statement released by the church on Facebook.

The Byron Police Department urged anyone with information to contact Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME or the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (404) 656-2070.

In a series of Facebook posts, Pastor Josh Bizzell shared updates with the community, thanking people for their prayers.

All church gatherings and activities are postponed until further notice, but Bizzell said worship services will proceed as planned on Sunday, August 25, with more details to follow.

“Please pray for our church,” Bizzell wrote. “This is a tragic occurrence but we will ensure through the grace of God.”