Czech police arrested a man who stole what is believed to be the 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava from a church in Jablonne v Podjestedi, about 50 miles north of Prague. The man disagreed with the relic's display and planned to throw it into a river after encasing it in concrete. Security footage showed the suspect dressed in black before he changed clothes and fled in a taxi.

Officers traced the 35-year-old suspect to Mlada Boleslav, where he admitted taking the skull from the ornate glass case at the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Police used special equipment to locate the concrete-sealed relic, which the man intended to bury rather than allow continued display. He faces charges including theft, disorderly conduct and damaging personal property.

The Archbishop of Prague expressed relief at the recovery of the relic, which is a significant spiritual artifact. Authorities plan to extract the skull from concrete and return it to display with enhanced security measures including bulletproof glass. The church hopes to have the relic back by the end of the month for a pilgrimage in her honor.