Michigan church shooter Thomas Sanford had prior arrests ahead of deadly attack, officials reveal

Michigan Latter-day Saints church shooter Thomas Sanford had prior arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, local officials said as they announced everyone inside the house of worship at the time of the attack has now been accounted for.

Four people died in the attack and eight others were wounded, the victims’ ages ranging from six to 78. Five of the hospitalizations were from gunshot wounds, and three were from smoke inhalation from the blaze that consumed the Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township.

Two of the gunshot victims remain in critical condition, Dr. Michael Danic, medical chief of staff at Henry Ford Genesys hospital told reporters at a press conference Monday.

“This was an evil act of violence,” said Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Reyne.

“This does not define Grand Blanc and who we are,” he added.

Sanford died in a shootout with police after ramming his Chevy Silverado truck into the front door of the church, then opening fire on congregants with an assault rifle.

He also set the church ablaze, which burned to the ground. Though officials said they were still working to determine how he started the fire.

When asked by a reporter about whether Sanford, 40, of nearby Burton, had any prior arrests, Reyne said he had previously been charged with “burglary and OWI” charges.