Burglary, theft reported at rural Holt County Church

A suspect has been arrested in a burglary and theft case at St. Theresa Traditional Roman Catholic Church, located at 870th Road and Highway 281, south of O'Neill.

At approximately 10:05 p.m., on July 18, Holt County Sheriff's Office was notified of an alleged intoxicated male near the church in rural Holt County.

The male was later identified as Drake D. Ruegge. He was last seen going toward the church.

When officers arrived at the scene, the door to the church had been forced open and a window broken. Numerous articles had been removed from the church. The dome of a tabernacle was found in the roadway of 870th Road.

Inside the church, multiple items were identified as missing and items were strewn about.

Officers discovered another door was forced open inside the church. Ruegge was later found approximately a mile east of the church.

Suspected stolen items from the church were found on his person.

Ruegge was taken into custody without incident at approximately 11:20 p.m., and transported to St. Anthony's Hospital for medical clearance before being incarcerated for alleged burglary, alleged theft by unlawful taking - over $5,000 and alleged criminal mischief over $5,000.