Man jailed on charges in church rampage

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Police have jailed an Erie man for allegedly tearing up a church where he threw candles, crosses and other objects a day after attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting there.

Erie police say 25-year-old Chad Walburn broke into the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church early Monday morning.

By the time parishioners arrived at 8:30 a.m. they found Walburn sitting in the pastor’s office drinking coffee and listening to music and signs of vandalism throughout the church.

Pastor Karen Lundwall says most of the damaged items were in the altar area. Candles, vases and other items were thrown around, while pews and doors were smashed.

Police say Walburn was charged with burglary and institutional vandalism.