In the early morning hours on Saturday a man allegedly broke into the Ironton City Center damaging doors, windows and walls.

Ironton Police say Willard Large, 52, of Hanging Rock, allegedly gained access to the building by throwing a nearby bench through the main glass entrance.

“He used the bench to gain access to the building,” Ironton Police Captain Pam Wagner said. “Once inside he proceeded to the upper floors of the building doing damage to about nine other windows, a couple of doors and some of the dry wall.”

IPD officer Chad Gue and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Wahl apprehended the suspect on the fourth floor of the City Center. Large was charged with breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony.

The motive for the crime remains unclear at this time, according to detectives.

“We don’t know what caused him to do this,” IPD Detective Joe Ross said.

The Ironton City Center houses several businesses and city government offices, including the mayor’s office.

“It’s nothing that we can’t fix,” Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said. “Nothing was stolen or taken and our officers did a wonderful job of bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution.”