Church Security Detains Stabbing Suspect, Pastor Kills Himself After Being Charged With Sex Crime
You can watch my broadcast of the news below, or you can just go ahead and read it! I know some of you like both options.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Church Security Detains Stabbing Suspect
Carl Anthony Wells, 31, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault for allegedly stabbing a man in the neck during a confrontation at a Springfield church on September 8, 2024. The incident occurred after a verbal argument between the two men during a church service. Wells reportedly attacked the victim from behind with a knife while waiting in line for a meal, causing a deep laceration from the victim's earlobe to the base of his neck, narrowly missing the carotid artery. The victim suffered significant blood loss but survived. Wells attempted to flee but was detained by church security until police arrived.
If you were involved in this incident and have video, I would love it if you shared it with me to share in a debrief here. It’s important to get this info out to our colleagues. It does sound like there was shots fired by someone somewhere in this incident, but all of the articles, so far, are paywalled. This is a great showcase of why we have church security. Enough said.
Man Charged After Firing Shots Near Church in Laurel County
James Christopher Reid was arrested in Laurel County, Kentucky, after reportedly firing multiple gunshots near a church on the evening of September 11, 2024. Deputies from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call about gunfire in the area of West Highway 3094. Witnesses reported hearing 25 to 30 shots coming from the woods and seeing a man with a flashlight fleeing the area. Reid was identified by residents and charged with second-degree disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on September 13.
If you are in church and this occurs, lock down your church and start barricading doors when the firing stops. After barricading entrances, move everyone to the most interior part of the church. The safety team needs to go to likely entrances and be ready to fend off an attacker if they enter. Simultaneously, call 911 and let them know your situation.
Shots Fired Near Maryland Heights Church Carnival; Four Arrested
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, shots were fired near the Holy Spirit Parish Carnival in Maryland Heights, Missouri, prompting an early closure of the event. While no injuries were reported, Maryland Heights Police, along with other local departments, arrested four individuals following the incident in the area of Parkwood Park. Reverend Bob Evans of Holy Spirit Parish expressed shock at the event but was thankful no one was hurt, and noted future carnivals will be re-evaluated to ensure safety. Local resident Paul Berry III called for stronger community measures to address underlying safety concerns and hopes the carnival will continue next year.
This is probably the 4th reported shooting/disturbance at a church carnival this summer. If you are having a get together like Trunk or Treat, a car show, anything, you’ll need to provide security. You will need to staff it like a church service and monitor for those looking to do evil. May I remind you that we are at Condition Orange (high risk of attacks) and that we are at threat of a terrorist attack in the US according to Homeland Security and the FBI.
SEX ASSAULTS
Young Chicago Priest Under Investigation for Alleged Child Abuse
A state investigation is underway into allegations of sexual abuse by a newly ordained priest, Father Martin Nyberg, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is investigating claims of child exploitation and molestation during a public penance service at St. Josaphat Parish, where Father Nyberg has served since July 2023. The allegations involve inappropriate conduct during an eighth-grade confirmation retreat in August. Father Nyberg, who denies the accusations, has been asked to step aside from his ministry pending the outcome of the investigation. The archdiocese is following its protocols for handling such cases, including offering support to those who have alleged abuse.
His name should not have been released until he was charged. With that said, if you get a similar complaint you’ll need to contact law enforcement and then start an internal investigation. Don’t interfere with the LE investigation, but try to see if there are other victims and get ready to support any victims you find.
Inland Empire Pastor Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Minors
Jose Alcides Vasquez, a pastor in the Inland Empire, California, was arrested on September 5, 2024, by Ontario police following allegations of inappropriate behavior involving multiple minors. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department began investigating after a victim came forward in July. Vasquez, who lives in Menifee, had previously been accused by another individual in 2021. He has been charged and is currently held at the West Valley Detention Center. Until his arrest, Vasquez was affiliated with several churches in the region, most recently serving as head pastor at Camino De Santidad Church in Menifee. The Sheriff's Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward.
Sexual predators and pedophiles will get jobs in churches, including as pastor, knowing they will have access to children and vulnerable adults. They prey off of our forgiving nature and our tendency to bury our dirt and not call the police (pro tip, you should 100% call the police every single time… it is a sin not to).
Mebane Pastor Arrested for Alleged Sexual Battery at Walmart
Jeffrey Duane Smith, a 67-year-old pastor at Mebane Presbyterian Church in Alamance County, North Carolina, was arrested on September 11, 2024, and charged with misdemeanor sexual battery. Smith is accused of groping a man in the men's restroom at a Walmart on Mebane Oaks Road. According to the arrest warrant, Smith allegedly touched the victim against his will and fled the scene, later being apprehended in the woods behind a nearby gas station. He was booked into the Alamance County Detention Center and released on a $3,000 bond. If convicted, Smith could face 90 days in jail and be required to register as a sex offender for at least 30 years.
Columbia Pastor Dies by Apparent Suicide After Sexual Battery Charge
David Baker, Sr., lead pastor of Family Baptist Church in Columbia, Tennessee, died of an apparent suicide on September 6, 2024, one day after being charged with aggravated sexual battery involving a minor by the Maury County Sheriff's Office. According to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup, Baker entered the emergency room at Maury Regional Medical Center, went directly to a bathroom, and was later found deceased. Baker had been released on a $200,000 bond following his arrest, with a court date scheduled for October 9. Baker was a former candidate for Maury County mayor in 2022 and had also served as a chaplain at the Maury County Jail for 28 years.
One thing I have not covered about all of these sexual assaults is what you should do with the offender. I often tell you to put them on leave/fire them etc and how to handle the victim. However, I haven’t mentioned that you should stay in contact with the offender. I know it sounds odd. We tend to cut ties with people that do vile crimes, or any crime, but we should stay in touch to make sure that they don’t harm themselves. The can still seek forgiveness (they will still be held accountable for their actions) and they should be looked after spiritually. I know that sounds odd coming from a former cop, but it is the basis of our beliefs in Jesus. Our faith also calls for mercy, forgiveness, and care for all souls, even those who have committed grievous wrongs.
ARSON
Arrest Made in Missouri Church Arson Case
Scott Gregory Taylor, a 36-year-old man from Raymore, Missouri, was arrested on September 3, 2024, and charged with second-degree arson for allegedly setting fire to Harmony Baptist Church in Leeton, Missouri, in July 2020. The church, over 100 years old, was destroyed in the fire and has since been demolished. The arrest followed a four-year investigation by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, Johnson County Fire Investigation Unit, and the Johnson County Fire Protection District, which uncovered evidence, including security camera footage showing a man setting the fire. Local authorities and community members expressed relief and gratitude for the collaborative efforts leading to the arrest.
Four years to finally get this guy! Good job MO! Way to keep pressing the fight and bring him to justice.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Former Pastor Charged with Stealing $350,000 from Lothian Church Insurance Claim
Jerome Isaac Hurley, a former pastor of Miracle Temple in Lothian, Maryland, has been charged with felony theft for allegedly transferring nearly $350,000 from a church insurance payout to his personal account. The funds, obtained after a 2020 fire at a church-owned property, were discovered missing in September 2023, prompting church officials to alert the authorities. Hurley, who managed the church's finances from 2015 to 2022, is accused of transferring the money shortly after it was deposited into the church's account. He appeared in court on September 10, 2024, and his trial is scheduled to begin in December.
There is no way that $350,000 should have been missing for this long without anyone noticing. A solid policy on auditing the books will go a long way at keeping everyone honest and making sure that your finances stay stable. Audits keep any wrongdoer from thinking about stealing.
Woman Arrested for Burglary of Kemper County Church
Cherokee Bell has been arrested in Kemper County, Mississippi, on multiple burglary charges, including an attempted break-in at a Dollar General store and a burglary at Bluff Springs Baptist Church. On June 22, Bell unsuccessfully attempted to enter the Dollar General by smashing the glass doors and attempting to disconnect the power. The next day, she allegedly broke into the church, rifling through cabinets and drawers and taking a flat-screen television, which was later abandoned near the scene. Bell is charged with attempted burglary of a commercial building and burglary of a church, with her total bond set at $40,000.
This is my weekly reminder to you to get a burglar/fire alarm for your church and a 4k video system. I’ll keep repeating this for the next million years until churches realize that they are prime targets… because, you know…. y’all don’t have alarms….
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Gunmen Attack Imo Church, Kill Pastor's Aide, and Kidnap Two
On September 7, 2024, gunmen attacked the God’s Doing Healing and Deliverance Ministry in Orodo, Imo State, Nigeria, killing a youth leader and church aide, Samuel Ogbonna, and kidnapping two others. The attackers, arriving in two vehicles, stormed the church during a service, demanded to see the pastor, and upon learning he was not present, ordered the congregation to lie face down, robbing them of their belongings. Ogbonna was shot while fleeing the scene, and two abducted church members were later released along the Owerri-Orlu expressway. The incident has caused widespread fear in the community, prompting some residents to flee the area.
To my Nigeria followers, I have been seeing this style of assault on a church frequently. I don’t have a fool proof system for you, but simply putting a lookout during your service with a radio would help. That person needs excellent situational awareness. When they see potential danger, radio ahead to the church to go on lockdown. Move congregants into the center of the church and secure all windows and doors and start barricading both. The person outside with the radio should stay hidden and report what he is seeing. Congregants should arm themselves with anything they can find that can be used as a weapon and then prepare to fight if they enter the church. This is the best option I can give you. I am sorry for what you are enduring and pray for your safety.
Islamist Militants Kill 26 Christian Men in Burkina Faso Church Attack
On August 25, Islamist militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group affiliated with Al Qaeda, attacked a church in the village of Kounla in Banwa province, Burkina Faso, killing 26 Christian men during a morning service. The attackers entered the church, ordered women and children to leave, and then detained and executed the men. Following the attack, they set fire to houses and stole livestock before leaving the village. Two militants died after accidentally triggering an explosive device they had planted. The surviving villagers have fled to the nearby town of Sanaba for safety.
Again, this is the same M.O. as the church above in Nigeria. Looking at a catholic church in Burkina Faso below, it seems very easy to secure against terrorists. It is key that the congregants arm themselves and fight off the attackers. Self defense is not a sin. Let’s look at Luke 22:36-38 (ESV)
"He said to them, 'But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.'"
In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about being prepared for the challenges they will face after His departure. While this is often interpreted metaphorically, it does show a recognition of the need to be prepared to defend oneself.
Reguarding the inappropreate grouping by the pastor, wrong is wrong, period,
Thank you for your thorough reporting of these happenings.