NewsHigh Country Crime Stoppers

Information sought in suspicious incident at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church

Last Updated on April 18, 2022 5:06 pm

UPDATE Monday April 18. The following is from Boone Police:

On April 16, 2022, Boone Police Officers responded to a suspicious incident at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, located at 259 Pilgrims Way. An investigation revealed that at roughly 8:08 a.m. Saturday morning, a male poured gasoline on a doorway and sidewalk leading into the rear entrance to the church. An anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led investigators to speak with Thomas Jon Peluso, 44 years of age, of Old Hwy 421, Boone, NC.

As a result of the tip and interview Peluso was arrested and charged with one felonious count of Aiding in the Burning of a Religious Building. Peluso was given a $50,000.00 secured bond pending a May 24, 2022, court appearance. He was taken to the Watauga County Detention Center for confinement.

The Boone Police Department would like to thank the community for working in conjunction with investigators, which led to the quick arrest of this suspect.


High Country Crime Stoppers and Boone Police seek the public’s assistance in solving the following incident:

On April 16th, 2022, Boone Police Officers responded to a suspicious incident at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, located at 259 Pilgrims Way. An investigation revealed that at roughly 8:08 a.m., an unidentified male poured gasoline on a doorway and sidewalk leading into the church. The suspect was seen driving a blue 2005-2010 Subaru Outback Legacy.

The Boone Police Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this incident or of the identity of those involved, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 828-268-6959 / 828-737-0125 or the Boone Police Department at 828-268-6900. You may also submit a Crime Stoppers Tip via our website at https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtips.aspx?AgencyID=1251. All information will be kept confidential.

High Country Crime Stoppers pays rewards for information, which leads to arrests; recovery of stolen property; seizure of drugs and the location of wanted persons.

Back to top button