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Neighbors shocked after minister arrested for painting slur on home

Posted at 8:32 AM, Apr 05, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-05 08:32:27-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Some neighbors in Chesterfield County are confused over the behavior of a neighbor. This week police arrested Olander Cuthrell, 41, for setting his own home and car on fire. Cuthrell is also accused of spray painting racial slurs on his house.

"I live directly behind him and I've met him before. He was a nice guy. The first thing that came to my mind is really 'what's going on' this is not that type of neighborhood," neighbor Al Kent said.

Chesterfield Police Lt. Steve Grohowski said Cuthrell, who is listed as a music minister  at a Petersburg church, admitted to police he committed the crime. Grohowski said Cuthrell indicated his family was dealing with some financial problems at the time of the March 15 vandalism and fire.

"I am extremely disappointed that he went in the direction that he went by writing that on the side of his house. That upset me more than the burning of the car and the burning of the house. In this neighborhood, that just does not fit," Hunt said.