Man’s Christmas Eve Rampage At Maryland Churches Ends With Arrest

Two churches in Maryland faced disturbances on Christmas Eve when a man disrupted services in shocking ways.

Authorities said the first incident occurred at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, where 56-year-old Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz dropped an onion in the aisle during Mass. As a parishioner followed him outside, Von Goetz reportedly began throwing tangerines before fleeing the scene.

Hours later, during midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz escalated his behavior. Witnesses say he poured whiskey into the holy water and used his liquor bottle to threaten members of the congregation.

Parishioners acted quickly, detaining Von Goetz until law enforcement arrived. He was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault and disturbing religious practices.

The disruption was a grim reminder of how even sacred gatherings are not immune to unexpected acts of violence or disorder.

Von Goetz’s charges also include defacing religious property and making threats against a group engaged in worship.

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