PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Police in Maine have arrested a man they say was loading a hunting rifle outside a church and planning to harm someone inside.

Portland Police Capt. Vern Malloch (MAHL’-uck) said Monday a police officer assigned to Portland High School “probably avoided a tragedy” by making the arrest after spotting the armed man in an alley alongside the high school and First Parish Church.

Malloch says 46-year-old Herbert Jones made references to pedophiles being in the church. An Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was under way at the time.

Jones faces charges including terrorizing and possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as stalking a woman at the AA meeting. Malloch says a passenger in Jones’ BMW convertible was charged, as well. Jail records list no attorney for the men.