A Maryland man was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly crashing a stolen landscaping vehicle into a Baltimore TV news station, according to The Washington Post.
Authorities said on Wednesday that Vladimir Baptiste, 28, faces three counts of second-degree attempted murder.
Online records list additional charges including three counts of first-degree assault and burglary. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $750,000 bail.
"It's very clear that the suspect is suffering from emotional, mental health issues," Police Chief James Johnson said at a press conference after Baptiste was detained, just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"I commend the employees and officials of Channel 2 news. They acted professionally and bravely," Johnson added.
Around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Baptiste allegedly barricaded himself inside the WMAR-TV station in Towson.
Brian Kuebler, a reporter at the station, said on Twitter that Baptiste broke through the lobby and reportedly began screaming "let me in," claiming he was God.
Mike Masco, the station's meteorologist, claimed he "slammed his truck 7 times" into the building.
Following the incident, the surrounding roads were closed down. Additionally, the nearby St. Piux X school and parish were placed on lockdown.
"Police are on site, and all students, teachers and staff are safely inside buildings," said Mae Richardson, director of the church's youth and children's ministry. "The police have been immediate in their response and in ensuring the safety of all on the campus."
No one was injured during the incident.
