A Maryland man was arrested on Christmas Eve after causing disruptions at two local churches, including pouring whiskey into holy water and throwing tangerines at parishioners.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz first entered Holy Angels Catholic Church around 5 p.m. during evening mass. As he approached the altar, he dropped an onion in the aisle, disturbing the congregation.
A witness followed Von Goetz as he exited the church to ensure he was leaving. However, as he walked away, he allegedly assaulted another individual by throwing tangerines at them.
Later that evening, during the midnight mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Von Goetz reportedly poured whiskey into the holy water, further disrupting the service. He also allegedly threatened to harm churchgoers.
As church attendees escorted him out, Von Goetz attempted to strike several individuals with a whiskey bottle. He was detained by parishioners until law enforcement arrived.
Von Goetz was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property, religious crime against a group, obstructing a religious exercise, threatening mass violence, and disturbing the peace. He was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation following the incident.