A man has been arrested in Maryland after authorites said he caused “disruptions” at two Christmas Eve masses, pouring whiskey into the holy water and pelting worshippers with tangerines.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses following the sacrilegious rampage on Tuesday, officials reported.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Von Goetz entered Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue during a Mass shortly after 5 p.m.
He approached the altar and dropped an onion in the aisle, “disturbing the peace of those attending,” the sheriff’s office said.
A parishioner followed Von Goetz as he exited the church to ensure he was leaving the premises. However, as soon as they were outside, Von Goetz turned around and allegedly assaulted the citizen by throwing tangerines at them.
