A 49-year-old unemployed Carson City man faces a felony burglary charge after allegedly breaking into St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Saliman Road this morning, drinking a gallon of wine from the church's refrigerator and then passing out in the pew.
An officer was dispatched to the church at around 8:17 a.m. in reference to a commercial burglary where the suspect was still inside, according to an arrest report. Upon arrival, Carson City deputies found the suspect, Kenneth Carlson, asleep in the church between the pews.
The suspect told officers that a door was left open and he entered to keep warm. When officers checked, the man had taken a gallon jug of wine out of the church refrigerator and consumed it along with another half bottle he had brought with him, according to the arrest report.
Church officials checked the area and found that Carlson came through a rear door that could have not been completely closed, according to the arrest report.
The church official believes that Carlson came in and checked for any valuables and decided to spend the night. The church official found an empty gallon of bottle wine in the refrigerator and told officers that they do not allow anyone in the church while staff is not there.
Carlson was taken into custody and faces burglary and violation of suspended sentences charges. His bail has been set at $28,000.