No theft charges worries Parksville church members after B&E arrest
PARKSVILLE — The news a man had been arrested for ransacking a Parksville church was met with relief and questions by members of the congregation.
According to Oceanside RCMP, Thomas Dion Bruneau was charged after allegedly breaking into the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church on July 10. He’s faced with breaking and entering, possessing break-in tools and possession of a controlled substance.
There’s no charges of theft and the original release about the incident said nothing of significance was stolen in the incident.
Gordon Lockhart, a member of the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said despite what RCMP claimed, many important items had in fact been stolen. Essential parts of their service, such as a ceremonial chalice and spoon, as well as a cross and candlesticks, were allegedly taken.