Police: Man Accused Of Assaulting Elderly Church Employee, Causing Thousands Of Dollars In Damage

SUFFERN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A century-old church in Rockland County was nearly destroyed on Sunday.

CBS2's Esha Ray reported police arrested a 44-year-old man accused of breaking glass, throwing objects, and even assaulting an employee at Sacred Heart Church.

Suffern Village authorities said 44-year-old Santiago Brito-Avalos came to the church around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday to grab a cellphone and wallet he claimed he left inside on Saturday night.

Brito-Avalos then allegedly turned on the 74-year-old employee who opened the door for him and started punching, kicking and choking him. The sheer force knocked the elderly man off his feet.

"Shocked, horrified," church member Marie Boyle said. "And as I said, we're just hoping the man is alright."

Police said Brito-Avalos also slapped a parishioner who was standing outside waiting for morning mass to begin. He did some damage to the church as he broke candles, a microphone on the altar and a 75-year-old stained glass window that's worth thousands.

Brito-Avalos was finally brought down with a one taser to his chest.

"Very bizarre set of circumstances. Nothing about this is normal at all, it's crazy," Suffern Police Chief Clark Osborn said, adding that he's never seen Brito-Avalos in town before.

The church employee was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for his injuries and has since been released. Members of the church said they're happy he's OK and relieved that Brito-Avalos is locked away in Rockland County Jail.

"It's appalling he would do this," church member Bill Boyle said. "This is not a community where there's ignorance or meanness towards people. We're surprised that he did this at all."

Brito-Avalos has been charged with felony criminal mischief, second- and third-degree assault and harassment. He's being held on $20,000 bail and is expected in court on Tuesday.