Drunk driver rams into church

SHELBY, N.C. -- It's a DWI case that has state troopers and the pastor of a church shaking their heads.

Troopers say the man repeatedly backed his pickup truck into the front of the North Lafayette Street Baptist Church in Shelby.

Pastor Ken Morrison told WCNC how officers described the accident to him.

"They said someone under the influence hit the church," Morrison said. "He was really drunk because he hit it and backed up and hit it again."

When WCNC went to look at the damage we found the brick pillar holding up the entrance knocked to the ground. The brick walls were busted. The roof shifted, and the sanctuary needs new sheet rock.

State troopers blame all the damage on a drunk driver. Morrison says contractors gave him an estimate of $100,000 in damage.

It happened Wednesday night just as Morrison was in the process of getting his church ready for Mother's Day. He says the church is small with only about 40 parishioners, but they are very loyal and because the entrance is not safe, parishioners will use the side back door instead this Sunday. He will also rope off the damaged side of the church.

Thomas George

Thomas George, 51, faces several charges including driving while intoxicated. Troopers say he slammed his truck into the church over and over again before hitting the pole out front.

WCNC found out George has been found guilty of drunk driving four times before this in four different counties.

Still, Morrison invites George to come to one of their future Sunday services.

"We don't hold anything against him, but I tell you this drunk driving stuff, it can be dangerous and it can be expensive," said Morrison.