Peter Gunning, a 43-year-old Los Gatos resident, was taken into custody May 27 in connection with a series of arsons, vandalism and threatening phone calls directed at St. Mary's Church, 219 Bean Ave.

Investigators believe Gunning, a former student of St. Mary's School, is responsible for three arsons at the Catholic church, the most recent of which occurred on April 25. An organ valued at more than $60,000 was destroyed in that fire, the Rev. Justin Zawadski said, and the church's rugs, walls and stained-glass windows sustained smoke- and heat-related damage.

Dennis Johnsen, Santa Clara County Fire Department arson investigator, said someone started fires inside the church in August 1999 and November 2002, threw rocks through stained-glass windows, spray-painted "not very nice words" on the walls and made threatening calls to the church for the last five years. Johnsen also said a man carrying a bag walked into the church foyer in April 2003, and when he noticed several adults and children inside, said he didn't realize there were people there and walked back out. The people in the church said they smelled gasoline, which was indeed found to be spilled on the floor.

Though he declined to state specifics, Johnsen said investigators believe Gunning was behind the crimes and targeted the church for a reason.

"There's evidence that links this person to the incidents at the church," Johnsen said. "We have a very good idea of what motivated this."

Zawadski, the church's pastor, said that, though Gunning was a former student, he did not believe the suspected arsonist had been involved with the church in recent years. He said that, though he was "relieved" an arrest had been made, the arsons, vandalism and calls have understandably upset church officials and parishioners.

"It shakes your feeling of security," Zawadski said. "People have expressed concern and dismay, the usual thing you would expect."

Gunning was arrested on two counts of arson, one count of attempted arson, three counts of felony vandalism against a place of worship, one count of attempted vandalism against a place of worship and three counts of threatening phone calls. Investigation into the case is still ongoing, and anyone with further information about Gunning or the incidents is asked to call detective Sgt. Michael Barbieri at 408.354.6825 or 408.354.8600.