BOONE — Police have arrested a man they say tried to vandalize St. Elizabeth Church in Boone over the Easter weekend.
A church employee smelled gas upon arrival at the parish office Saturday morning. Checking the security cameras, the employee saw a man pouring gasoline on the sidewalk and alerted the Boone Police Department. The police investigation found gasoline poured on a doorway and sidewalk at the church’s rear entrance.
Father Brendan Buckler, pastor, said the church was not damaged.
An anonymous High Country Crime Stoppers tip led police to speak with Thomas Jon Peluso, 44, of Boone. Peluso was arrested and charged with one felonious count of aiding in the burning of a religious building. As of Tuesday, he was being held on $50,000 bond awaiting a May 24 court date.
Peluso did not attend St. Elizabeth Church.
“We are praying that God helps and delivers him from any problems and places peace in his heart,” Father Buckler said.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter