Two Cherry Point Marines, who were on unauthorized absence from the military, are accused of breaking into a church this weekend. The two were arrested after a manhunt on Saturday.
Tyler Douglas and Zachary Johnson appeared before a judge Monday afternoon. This after investigators said the two broke into the Southwest Primitive Baptist Church on Burgaw Highway in Onslow County.
Deputies say a woman visiting a grave at the church spotted the two men around the back of the church. Both were wearing backpacks and ran into the woods, one dropping a knife.
Eight hours later a deputy spotted the two at a convenience store, not far from the church. As the deputy was calling in for backup, the two ran. A K-9 was brought in and hours later both were found about two miles away under a bridge on Burgaw Highway.
Deputies say Douglas and Johnson will be held without bond on charges of breaking and entering into a place of worship and resisting an officer. The two will be turned over to military authorities after those charges are dealt with.
