Police: Drunken man consumes communion wine, wafers

David Ruland

HOUSTON – A man has been accused of going into a Catholic church and taking something sacred.

Houston police said incident happened at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood about 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The church normally remains unlocked to allow parishioners to enter for confession.

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Detectives said David Ruland, 49, walked in and consumed the communion wine and wafers.

Ruland, who appeared to be homeless, may have been intoxicated before he went to the church, police said.

Ruland has been charged with public intoxication.