MCTX Sheriff and the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office Investigate Arson at a Buddhist Temple

NEW CANEY, TX -- On November 5, 2023, at about 9:50 p.m., Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to the 17000 Block of FM 1485 in New Caney, to The Buddhist Temple, in reference to an Arson on the building.

Upon investigation, deputies learned that an unknown individual approached the temple and threw a container full of gasoline and lit wicking material, commonly known as a 'Molotov Cocktail' into an open window of the Temple. Members of the temple were inside and quickly extinguished the flames and called police to the scene.

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for investigating all Arsons in Montgomery County. Fire Marshals, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (A.T.F.) arrived on the scene and began their investigation into this arson, interviewing several individuals that same night.

The actor, in this case, is described as a white or light-skinned male, wearing a dark baseball cap black boots, and carrying a backpack.

The circumstances and motives behind this crime are currently unknown and are under thorough investigation by law enforcement. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office take this case seriously. Religious freedom and the safety of all the citizens of Montgomery County, regardless of religious affiliation, is something both agencies are sworn to protect. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our County. We will continue to aggressively work to bring individuals to justice who threaten those peacefully practicing their religious freedom.

We understand that incidents like these can cause anxiety and concern among our residents. We urge everyone to remain calm and patient as the investigation progresses. We encourage anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and cooperate with the authorities. Your assistance can play a vital role in helping us bring justice to those affected. If anyone has any information about this arson, please contact 936-760-5800 option 3 and refer to case number 23S000489, or to remain anonymous, contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP [7867].

Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our citizens, and we assure you that every effort is being made to bring clarity to this situation. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and explore all possible leads to determine the facts surrounding this incident.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to support one another, embrace our diversity, and stand together against any form of hatred or discrimination.

Sheriff Rand Henderson, "As a community, we stand united against any act threatening the peace and harmony we cherish. We firmly believe in upholding the religious freedoms of our citizens, and we will continue to protect and respect these fundamental rights.”

Video Clip of Suspect:
YouTube