Elderly Pro Life Activists Severely Beaten, Naked Man Runs from Church Assaults Woman
A look at this week's crime at U.S. Churches
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CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Arrest Made in 2023 Assault of Elderly Pro-Life Activists in Baltimore
Baltimore police have arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal 2023 assault of two elderly pro-life Catholic activists. The incident occurred outside a Planned Parenthood clinic, where the activists were peacefully protesting. The arrest brings a sense of justice to the case, which had drawn significant attention due to the victims' age and the violent nature of the attack. The suspect now faces charges related to the assault.
I wrote this article to help those of you that are street preaching and evangelizing away from your churches. Please watch if this is you.
Cleveland Church Suspends Meal Program After Nearby Shooting
A Cleveland church has suspended its Monday night meal program after a shooting occurred outside the building. The incident raised safety concerns for both volunteers and attendees, leading the church to pause the program while evaluating the situation. The church remains committed to its outreach efforts and is working with local authorities to ensure the safety of the community before resuming services.
When working with homeless communities, you are at more risk of crime because of those same communities. Using good situational awareness and deescalation practices can help mitigate crime from starting, but sometimes there is nothing you can do. You just have to be more vigilant and have more training than other ministries.
Intoxicated Man Threatens to Burn Down Stafford Church and Home
In Stafford, Virginia, an intoxicated man was arrested after threatening to burn down the Saint William of York Catholic Church and a nearby woman's home. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded to the threats, which were made while the suspect was under the influence. He was taken into custody before any harm occurred and now faces charges for the incident, which has heightened safety concerns in the local community.
Alcohol makes people say what they really think. The church may want to think about getting a restraining order against this man. Please take his threats seriously. You should take his booking photo and post it in a place hidden from the public, but visible to all employees and volunteers at the church. Everyone should be briefed on what occurred with him and everyone should be on the lookout for him. Have a burglar/fire alarm and a 4k video system. Lastly, every church should have someone in charge of intelligence. That person should monitor this person’s release date and his court dates and monitor what is said in court and relay that to people that need to know. You should also monitor his social media to keep track of new threats to the church.
Toledo Man Arrested After Naked Chase Incident
In Toledo, Ohio, a man was arrested for allegedly chasing a woman while naked on Douglas Road. The suspect, who reportedly fled from St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church shortly before the incident, was apprehended by police after the public disturbance. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, raising safety concerns in the area. The man faces charges of public indecency and other related offenses. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
We had a saying at my police department, “Naked people kill cops.” It’s sad, but true. Naked people are either mentally unstable or high on dangerous drugs. If you have a naked man in your church, I would wait for the police to deal with it. If you must take immediate action, I doubt seriously that deadly force will be required, but less lethal force more than likely will be needed. If all you carry is a gun and no other force options, then your only option is to shoot people. At least that is what is going to be portrayed in court. Make sure you have pepper spray, a REAL taser (not one of those amazon ones) or some type of impact weapon. Most importantly, you’ll need an abundance of training.
SEX CRIMES
Kansas City Deacon Suspended Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
A Kansas City deacon has been suspended after a lawsuit was filed accusing him of sexually abusing a teenage boy. The lawsuit, filed on August 8, 2024, alleges that the abuse occurred while the deacon was serving at a local church. The church has taken immediate action by suspending the deacon and is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
Where there is one victim there are many. Start an investigation to determine who the other victims are and see if anyone else is involved. It’s not a witch hunt, it is a calculated investigation that should be transparent to your congregation and the public.
Megachurch Pastor Sent Sexual Messages to Women, Elders Reveal
Josiah Anthony, a megachurch pastor, has been exposed by church elders for sending sexual and excessively personal messages to multiple women. The elders disclosed that these inappropriate communications have led to significant concerns about his conduct and leadership within the church. This revelation has sparked discussions about accountability and the need for transparency in religious leadership.
Remember last week I railed about a church that had dismissed their pastor, but left a vague press release about why he was booted? That press release caused a lot of anxiety in the community, especially with Texas having so many pastors committing sexual assault lately. They had to put out a supplemental press release finally saying why he was released. Look, you need to do a better job when and if this happens to you. Transparency is the best policy all the way around, no matter how bad it is.
Middletown Pastor Charged with Child Exploitation
A pastor at a church in Middletown, Indiana, has been charged with child exploitation. The charges stem from allegations that the pastor engaged in inappropriate activities involving minors. Authorities conducted an investigation leading to his arrest, and the pastor now faces serious legal consequences.
ARSON
Sex Offender Indicted for Arson at LDS Church in Mississippi
A convicted sex offender in Mississippi has been indicted on two counts of arson for attempting to burn down the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wiggins. The man, who vandalized the church on July 4 and July 7, claimed "Jesus chose him" to act against the church due to false beliefs about child trafficking. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
I’m not sure why it took a month to indict him, but at least they got him. It is very important that you have a burglar/fire alarm at your church. The burglar alarm will go off alerting police when they break in to start the fire. The fire alarm will, of course, go off when the fire is detected. The two in combination let police know it isn’t a false alarm and the area will be flooded with cops in no time.
Four Ohio Churches Destroyed by Alleged Arson; Reward Offered
Four churches in close proximity to each other in Ohio were recently destroyed by suspected arson. Authorities are investigating the incidents and have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. The fires have caused significant concern in the local community as investigators work to determine the motive behind the attacks.
Arson is one of the biggest crimes, outside of property crime, affecting churches. Expect more of this with the events occurring in the Middle East. People will be taking their frustrations out on our churches.
DRUG CRIMES
Millsboro Man Arrested for Drug Possession Outside Church
A 44-year-old man from Millsboro, Delaware, was arrested on August 5, 2024, after being found unconscious in front of God's House of Deliverance Church. Upon waking him, police discovered 1.92 grams of crack cocaine, 2.71 grams of powder cocaine, counterfeit prescription pills, and heroin. He was charged with multiple felonies, including possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, and was released on his own recognizance after arraignment.
If you minister to the homeless, you may have an increase in drug use in the area of your church. If you come across someone passed out like this, you can’t wake them like a normal person. Many are feeling the effects of the drugs or the effects of the drugs leaving their body and that makes them unstable. I recommend letting the police wake them and moving them along. If you don’t want to do that, keep a distance of 7-10 feet so you have enough time to react to violent actions. Also be cautious of uncapped needles and broken crack/meth pipes.
Burlington Pastor Says Church "Under Siege" by Drug Users and Homeless
A pastor in Burlington, Vermont, has described his church as being "under siege" due to increasing issues with drug users and homeless individuals occupying the property. The situation has led to safety concerns and disruptions, prompting the church to seek assistance from local authorities. The pastor emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses both the safety of the congregation and the needs of the vulnerable population.
You can’t have it both ways. If you don’t hold the drug users accountable, they will not stop using drugs. The only way they will stop using drugs is if they hit rock bottom and that usually happens while they are sitting in jail.
VEHICLES VS. CHURCHES
Stolen Police Car Crashes into Church in New Haven
A stolen police car was driven into the steps of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven after a suspect took the vehicle during an arrest attempt. The car struck the church's stairs, causing significant damage, but no one was inside the building at the time. The suspect, who had been arrested earlier in connection with another crime, managed to flee on foot after the crash. Police are continuing their search for the individual.
A bit of advice for my cop friends… make a copy of your car keys (or key fob) so that you can lock your door while the engine is running when you step away 😉
PROPERTY CRIMES
Arrest Made in Connection with Church Break-Ins Across West Virginia
A 25-year-old man from Hamlin, West Virginia, has been arrested for multiple church break-ins across Lincoln and Cabell counties. The suspect was apprehended at the scene of a break-in at Sumerco Church of God in Yawkey and is linked to incidents at numerous other churches since April 2024. Authorities are charging him with breaking and entering, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
Hi, it’s me again with your weekly reminder that you should have put in a burglar/fire alarm and a 4k video system in your church last month. But tomorrow isn’t too late. Get’er done!
Newark Man Arrested for Stealing from Bayonne Church
A Newark man has been arrested for stealing between $200 and $300 from a collection box at a church in Bayonne, New Jersey. The theft occurred on August 7, 2024, when the man broke into the church and took the money. Police quickly identified and apprehended the suspect, who now faces charges related to the burglary.
Read my article below on protecting your church offerings.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
UK Teen School Attacker Claims "Calling from Jesus"
A 16-year-old in England was arrested for planning a violent attack at his former school, inspired by what he claimed was a "calling from Jesus." The teen brought multiple weapons and was intercepted before he could carry out the attack. He expressed beliefs that he was divinely instructed to take action, leading to significant concerns about his mental health. The incident has drawn attention to the risks of radicalization and mental instability among youth.
I think the biggest threat for churches is the insider threat, not necessarily one from the outside. Keep an eye on your youth. You should probably keep one security person in the youth area during services.
Indonesian Authorities Foil Plot to Bomb Churches
Authorities in Indonesia successfully thwarted a plot to bomb multiple churches, preventing what could have been a devastating attack. The planned bombings were part of a broader attempt to target Christian communities in the region. Indonesian security forces arrested the suspects before they could carry out their plans, ensuring the safety of the affected communities. This incident highlights ongoing religious tensions and the continued threat of extremist violence in the country.
Even during the academy, veteran cops told the stories of the naked sweaty people on PCP. Paranoid with superhuman strength and slippery, they have reappeared today en mass in Rochester and many other cities like Toledo. You are completely right on. Batons are worthless without training. You were also right about Burlington VT - every dollar passed through a car window keeps these people from the help they need.
Keith Graves, thanks for all that you’re doing to get information out and provide training! Having been in the EMS in the past, I’m learning this side of things. Thanks again. And praying for you and your family.