Officials are investigating a suspicious church fire in Oakland Park where disturbing messages were left scribbled on the church door.
According to Oakland Park Fire Rescue, the fire started around 6 a.m. at the Refuge Life Community Church located within a strip mall in the 2500 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard.
Fire Officials arrived to find a small fire burning inside the church. It looks as if someone broke into the church and started the fire intentionally, officials said.
A message scribbled on the door of the church read: "I've waited so long to repay the favor. Call the police and Naomi is dead! BOOM!!!!"
The church's pastor said he has no idea who Naomi is and doesn't know why the church was targeted.
"I feel really bad because that's a church of the Lord. I don't know why somebody would do that," said Pastor Laine Ebel.
Authorities said there were at least 16 messages written throughout the church's sanctuary.
Local
"There are messages or words that I cannot say on television," Oakland Park Fire Rescue Division Chief John Preston said.
The incident is being looked at as a possible arson, and federal investigators have been called in to assist local and state investigators. They are investigating the cause of the fire. No arrests have been made.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
