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Police arrest man accused of pouring gasoline on church in Boone

BOONE, N.C. — The Boone Police Department has arrested a man accused of pouring gasoline onto a church.

Police said the incident happened on Saturday just after 8 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church on Pilgrims Way.

On Saturday, an unidentified man allegedly poured gasoline on the doorway and sidewalk that lead into the church. The man then left the scene in a blue 2005 to 2010 Subaru Outback Legacy, according to police.

Police said an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip lead them to 44-year-old Thomas Jon Peluso in connection with this incident.

Peluso was then arrested and charged with aiding in the burning of a religious building, according to police.

Police said he was given a $50,000 secured bond pending a May 24 court appearance and was taken to Watauga County Detention Center.

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