WEST VALLEY CITY — The rector of a West Valley church believes tactics of protesters against a planned drug-treatment center on church property went below the belt Sunday when about 75 screws were found scattered around the parking lot after the Eucharist Service.
The Rev. Diana Johnson said she was not immediately aware if any car tires of parishioners at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church were punctured.
Lt. Kelly Rushton said police responded to a complaint of pickets at the church, and police confirmed that screws were found in the parking lot.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has been the site of pickets for several years because Haven West, a residential drug and alcohol treatment center, is slated to be built on church property, 4615 S. 3200 West. Adjacent to the property is Harry S. Truman Elementary School, with a student population of almost 700.
Many parents fear the Haven's close location to children puts them at risk of exposure to alcohol, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Johnson said the Haven will be located on the church's property, as was worked out in mediations recommended by a federal judge in August 2000.