Maryland Man Accused of Throwing Fruit at Churchgoers After Pouring Whiskey in Their Holy Water

A Maryland man has been arrested for allegedly disrupting multiple Christmas Eve services by pouring whiskey into holy water and assaulting a parishioner with fruit, according to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, appeared first at Holy Angels Catholic Church during Christmas Eve Mass. Von Goetz dropped an onion in the aisle as he approached the altar, "disturbing the peace" of the congregation, authorities report. As he left the church, he allegedly threw tangerines at a concerned citizen who followed him outside.

Later that night, during Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz reportedly poured whiskey into the church's holy water and threatened parishioners. As attendees escorted him out, he attempted to hit several individuals with a whiskey bottle but was subdued by parishioners until deputies arrived.

Von Goetz was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation before being arrested on December 26. He faces several charges, including second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property and threatening mass violence.

He is currently being held at the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, awaiting a court hearing.