Bomb Threat, Man Rams Church in This Week's Brief

Aug 18, 2024

There will be no live stream this week. Sorry! I’m tied up getting ready for next week’s presentation.

Don’t forget, I’ll be at Jack Hibbs’ church in California talking everything about church security. You can register for the free conference here.

CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

Baton Rouge Man Crashes into Church, Claims He Was "Riding with Demons"

A man in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been charged after crashing his vehicle into a church and telling officers he was "riding with demons." The incident occurred at a local church, where the driver caused significant damage. Following his arrest, the man was taken into custody for further evaluation and charged with multiple offenses, including criminal damage to property and reckless driving. The community is disturbed by the event and its bizarre circumstances.

I’ll keep saying it… your church needs to have barriers to keep people from ramming your church. It is easy to do and unobtrusive. You can plant decorative rocks that are anchored into the ground to keep vehicles at bay. I see churches daily that I could drive my Ram 2500 through the front doors and into the lobby.

For more details, you can read the full story here.

Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to 2023 Shooting Outside Church

A man from Wichita, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to a 2023 shooting that occurred outside a local church. The shooting, which injured one person, took place after a funeral service at the church. The guilty plea concludes a case that has impacted the community and highlighted concerns about violence in places of worship.

I’ve written to you about funerals before. When you have someone holding a funeral at the church, check on their background. Anyone with criminal history, especially ties to gangs or organized crime, means that you have to have increased security, including having police present. If you are a rival and want to make a dent in your competition, a funeral for your rival is a place to do it. They will all be preoccupied and in one place at one time. They are easy pickings. Unfortunately, that means your church can get shot up. Previously, I was a sniper on a SWAT team. I have been to many funerals providing overwatch.

For more information, you can read the full story here.

Bomb Threat Suspect Arrested in California

A man was arrested in Mt. Shasta, California, on July 29, 2024, for allegedly making a bomb threat against St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. The threat, reported on June 23, 2024, led to a multi-agency investigation involving local and federal law enforcement. The suspect faces charges of communicating false information about a planned arson or bombing and will be extradited to Shreveport to face further legal action.

If you receive a bomb threat at your church, have your staff start searching for anything suspicious. If they find something, notify the police what you found. You see the inside of the church every week and know if something is out of police. The police won’t see what you do. Just don’t touch anything suspicious.

SEX CRIMES

Former Lexington Pastor Indicted on Multiple Felony Counts

A former executive pastor of LexCity Church in Lexington, Kentucky, has been indicted on seven felony charges, including rape, sodomy, and unlawful transactions with a minor. The charges stem from an investigation by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations and the Lexington Police Department. The church, which closed on July 10 due to the investigation impact and financial struggles, had been a significant presence in the community.

This makes me sad that the church had to close down due to the impacts of this incident. Make sure you have a solid policy that protects women and children at your church. Predators choose to work and volunteer in churches because of our loving and forgiving nature. We are ripe pickings for them. Policies that are adhered to and a safety team that monitors our kids is the first step in keeping them at bay.

For more information, you can read the full story here.

Charlotte Pastor Accused of Failing to Report Crimes Against Children

A pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been accused of failing to report crimes against children that allegedly occurred within his community. The accusations involve the pastor's inaction in addressing incidents of abuse, leading to an investigation by local authorities.

I don’t understand how this can happen in a church. Oh, I know, it’s because they aren’t obeying God’s command. Where in the bible does it say to hide crimes committed in the church? Make sure that if you are made aware of a crime to call the police immediately. Help them in their investigation and start your own parallel, internal, investigation.

Ephesians 5:11 (NIV):
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

For more information, you can read the full story here.

Former Church Youth Counselor Charged with 19 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

A former youth counselor at a church in Chesterfield County, Virginia, has been charged with 19 counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of minors. The charges include aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child. The alleged incidents occurred between 2011 and 2020, involving multiple victims who were under the age of 15. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial.

ARSON

Sacramento Church Fire Investigated as Hate Crime

A Sacramento church fire that occurred recently is being investigated as a potential hate crime. The fire took place at a church known for its LGBTQ+ outreach, and authorities suspect it was deliberately set. Investigators are exploring the possibility of a hate crime due to the church's inclusive stance and prior threats received by the congregation. The investigation is ongoing as officials gather more evidence to determine the motive behind the fire.

It's concerning to see an increase in crimes targeting churches, especially those that have shifted from traditional biblical teachings. While it's important to uphold biblical principles, responding with violence or criminal activity is not the answer. As followers of Christ, we're called to engage with love and truth, not by destructive means. The Apostle Paul confronted errors in the church with firm but peaceful correction, setting an example that we should follow today. With that said, if you are a church that has strayed from biblical principles, you have increased your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Just a heads up. Maybe you should re-read Galatians.

For more details, you can visit the full story here.

PROPERTY CRIMES

Pastor's Wife Charged with Stealing $404,000 from South Carolina Church

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, the wife of a Baptist pastor has been charged with embezzling $404,000 from the church where her husband serves. The funds were allegedly taken over several years, with the theft only recently coming to light.

Having regular audits will keep something like this from happening. It’s not that you don’t trust anyone, it’s just good business practices to do so. If you don’t have regular audits, now is the time to start doing them.

For further details, you can read the full story here.

Norfolk Pastor Preaches Forgiveness After Church Vandalism

In Norfolk, Virginia, a local pastor is focusing on forgiveness after his church was targeted in a vandalism spree, resulting in 30 windows being shattered. The pastor emphasized the importance of forgiveness despite the extensive damage caused to the church, which has left the congregation and community shaken.

This is my weekly reminder that you should have gotten a burglar alarm and a fire alarm (throw in a 4k video system too) last week. Tomorrow may be too late, but today would be a great day to get that done. Just sayin’.

For more details, you can read the full story here.

Rochester Church Burglarized; Suspect Found Playing Piano by Police

In Rochester, Minnesota, a church was burglarized with the suspect stealing cash and various items. The incident occurred late at night, and when police arrived, they found the burglar playing the church's piano. The man was arrested on the scene.

It’s incidents like this that made me happy to be a cop. I know the officers that found this guy were laughing their butts off about him playing the piano when they began their search. You can’t make this up.

For more details, you can read the full story here.

INTERNATIONAL

Irish Authorities Investigate Stabbing of Catholic Chaplain as Possible Terror Incident

Irish authorities are investigating the stabbing of a Catholic chaplain in County Cork as a possible terror incident. The attack occurred at a school where the chaplain was serving, leading to concerns about religiously motivated violence. The chaplain was hospitalized, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the assault.

I have been letting everyone that will listen that we are in danger of more terrorist attacks against churches in the U.S. Attacks like this have been happening more and more around the world. We have been saved from the carnage so far. That can change quickly. Please use good situational awareness to protect yourself when out and about.

For more details, you can read the full story here.

Nigerian Diocese Condemns Brutal Assault on Priest by Military

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Nigeria has strongly condemned the brutal assault of one of its priests by military personnel. The incident, which occurred in Benue State, involved soldiers allegedly beating the priest without provocation. The diocese has called for justice and accountability, emphasizing the need for the protection of clergy and respect for human rights.

For more details, you can read the full story here.