Police arrested a Georgia man on Aug. 4 who allegedly baptized himself while robbing a Florida church.
Officers took Derek Porter following his alleged break-in at the Emerald Beach Church of Christ in Panama City Beach, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office on Facebook. A female employee of the church called law enforcement officials during the alleged break-in, the release stated.
After allegedly using a cinder block to gain entry to the building through a window, Porter inflicted $8,000 worth of damages to the church interior. In addition, Porter allegedly helped himself to several electronics within the building including a television and a computer. Porter also attempted to abscond with the church’s money bag, according to the release.
Responding officers who arrested Porter also allegedly found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his possession.
Footage shared by law enforcement officers who arrived on the scene showed Porter standing outside the church with his hands on his head, declaring to officers he didn’t know who else was inside the building. Later, a K-9 officer can be seen jumping into the filled baptismal font for a swim, much to the delight of officers on the scene.
The K-9 officer was reportedly not the only one who enjoyed the font that day as officers claim Porter revealed he had baptized himself in the font while attempting to rob the building.
“Porter stated he could not remember what happened during various moments inside the church. He did remember, however baptizing himself in the church’s baptistry pool. Porter claims “something” was holding his head down under the water while in the pool,” the sheriff’s office said. (RELATED: Man And Woman Charged With Burglary After Allegedly Trying To Break Into Florida Business To Escape ‘Ghost’)
Porter has been charged with Burglary of an Occupied Structure, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.