Man accused of desecrating Sikh temple says he recently used meth

The man accused of desecrating a Sikh temple in Spokane Valley on Thursday said he had one drink the night before and injected meth three days prior.

Jeffrey C. Pittman, 44, who was arrested early Thursday morning, believed he was in an ISIS-affiliated mosque and told police that thought the building was on fire, according to court documents.

He was naked and holding two ceremonial swords when deputies arrived. Pittman told deputies that he removed his clothes and soaked them in water because he believed the building was on fire. He also discharged two fire extinguishers, according to court documents. Pittman said he had flashbacks of being in a fire and believed the building was burning.

Pittman said when he entered the temple he “saw all the religious items and started thinking God hated him and had ruined his life.”

Pittman is being held in Spokane County Jail for first-degree burglary and second-degree malicious mischief. His bond was set at $150,000 during a brief court appearance Friday.