A Montgomery County man is behind bars after police say he vandalized a tavern, grocery store and a historic church a few hours before a funeral.
Police say the ordeal began the morning of October 5 when Christopher Rhoads, 32, was kicked out of the Lansdale Tavern on Main Street in Lansdale. Rhoads was then captured on surveillance video outside the bar after it was vandalized shortly after. Rhoads then allegedly broke into the ACME grocery store on Welsh Road and stole fireplace logs. He then used those logs to break through the glass of the Trinity Lutheran Church on the 1000 block of W Main Street in Lansdale, police said.
While inside the church, Rhoads damaged the altar while smashing a glass that caused sauce to spill all over the church floor and pews. He also allegedly set hymnals on fire. Police say the church vandalism occurred a few hours before a funeral was set to take place there.
“While in the sanctuary he, the actor, tore up some hymn books and lit fire to some of the pages which was very concerning to us,” said Lansdale Police Detective Sergeant Michael Trial.
The sanctuary was cleaned up and repaired in time for the service, according to church officials.
After reviewing surveillance video and investigating the break-ins, police arrested Rhoads Wednesday in West Norriton and placed him in custody. During a court appearance, Rhoads allegedly told a judge he was already out on bail in Philadelphia for a previous crime. Police have not yet revealed the motive behind the vandalism.
“His actions right now defy explanation,” Trial said.
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Rhoads was charged with vandalism and other related offenses. He is currently being held on $10,000 cash bail.
