SANTA ANA, Calif. – Two brothers are scheduled to be arraigned today for burglarizing and vandalizing Harvest Church in Irvine and possessing an assault rifle at their apartment.

Circumstances of the Case

• On Aug. 30, 2017, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Brandon and Paul Vielkind are accused of driving to Harvest Church in Irvine, which was unoccupied.
• The defendants are accused of entering the church by smashing a glass window.
• Paul and Brandon Vielkind are accused of possessing four boxes of ammunition and an airsoft replica rifle.
• The defendants are accused of vandalizing the church by destroying or defacing various items including electronic equipment, musical instruments, and electrical wiring.
• A security guard at a neighboring building observed two people breaking into the church with a firearm and contacted the Irvine Police Department (IPD), who responded to the scene.
• At approximately 9:15 p.m., the defendants are accused of throwing a smoke bomb, removing articles of clothing, and exiting the building following negotiations with IPD.
• IPD arrested the defendants and they are accused of possessing a handgun and an assault rifle at Brandon's apartment in Anaheim.

Prosecutor: Deputy District Attorney Craig Cazares, Harbor Justice Center

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 17HF1197 / September 1, 2017