2 Shootings Near Churches, Pastor Arrested for Domestic Violence
This week's crime round up for churches in the US
We are still at a high risk of attack in the U.S. (condition Orange). Please take a look at the incident in Russia below in the international section. I put some thoughts about our current situation and you may find it interesting. Lastly, I’ll be on vacation for the next week in Alaska. You may or may not see an update next week. I will pick up the week after, however!
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Shooting Incident Near Brick Church Pike in Nashville
On the evening of July 6th, a shooting occurred near Brick Church Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. Metro police reported that one individual was injured in the incident and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation, and authorities have not yet released details on any suspects or potential motives. Residents in the area are encouraged to provide any information they may have to assist in the investigation.
Many people fleeing danger will go to a church for shelter and sanctuary. Make sure you have a plan in case shooting erupts outside your church. Include lockdown procedures and how to aid victims outside when the shooting stops.
Brawl Near Moss Point Church Involves 20 Teens and Leaves Two Injured With Gunshot Wounds
A violent brawl near a church in Moss Point, Mississippi, involved around 20 teenagers and resulted in two injuries. The incident occurred on July 11, 2024, and police are investigating the circumstances that led to the altercation. Authorities were alerted to the scene, but details on what initiated the fight remain unclear. The injured teens were treated for their injuries, and law enforcement is working to identify all parties involved and determine appropriate actions.
I don’t have all of the details of this case, however I have seen an uptick in crime related to juveniles at or near churches. Churches can be a focal point for youth to hang out due to their relationship with the church, it being centered in the community and having a large parking lot to gather. Use your good judgement. If you see them starting to get rowdy, or see rivals show up, you may need to call the police and lock the church down.
For more details, you can read the full story here.
Pastor Banned from Alaska Airlines After Assaulting Wife on Flight
An evangelical pastor, Roger Allan Holmberg Sr., has been banned from Alaska Airlines and is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting his wife during a flight from Seattle to Anchorage on July 2, 2024. The altercation occurred after Holmberg's wife was upgraded to first class, leaving him in coach. Witnesses reported Holmberg verbally abused his wife, flipped her the bird, and struck her on the head. An off-duty police officer intervened, and Holmberg was detained upon landing. He is scheduled for arraignment and could face up to a year in prison if convicted.
I’m including this to let you know our community is not immune from domestic violence. You should include some scenarios in your training on dealing with DV scenarios at church. I’m also including it because we must act Christ like. We should not fall victim to the devil’s schemes.
For more details, read the full articles on Yahoo News and The Independent.
Man Charged with Assault for Spraying Protestors at Solid Rock Church
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a man named Robert Wayne Lochel, 67, has been charged with five counts of third-degree assault and battery. The charges stem from an incident on June 30, 2024, where Lochel was recorded on video using a pressurized sprinkler to spray protestors outside Solid Rock Church. The protestors were demonstrating in response to the death of Mica Miller, the wife of the church's senior pastor, John-Paul Miller, who reportedly died by suicide in April. Lochel admitted to his actions, citing frustration from his wife as the motive​​.
I included a video showing the incident. The protestors are legally protesting. The safety team should advise them they are to not come on church property and then ensure that they don’t enter the church and protect our congregants as they go to their cars. If they trespass, let the police handle it. There is no need for behavior like this. It makes us look bad. We should be the professionals we are and just monitor them.
For more details, read the full article here.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Volunteer at Carmichael Church Arrested for Child Sex Abuse
A volunteer youth group leader at Crossroads Church in Carmichael, California, has been arrested on charges of child sex abuse. Samuel Paul Cantrell, 46, faces 15 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and one count of possessing obscene material depicting a minor. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office stated that the alleged abuse occurred over a two-year period with a single victim not associated with the church. Cantrell is currently held at the Sacramento County Main Jail on a $1.5 million bail. Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff's Office Child Abuse Bureau.
For more details, read the full article here.
Former Hempstead Church Leader Arrested for Sexual Abuse
A former church leader at Iglesia Cristiana Unida in Hempstead, New York, has been arrested for sexually abusing and raping a girl. Jose Wilfredo Vazquez Cardoza allegedly began the abuse in 2011 when the victim was 12 years old, continuing for four years. At the time, Cardoza worked as a security guard and church leader. He is now affiliated with a church in Amityville. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the police​​.
For more details, read the full article here.
Blount County Youth Minister Arrested For Abusing Child Inside of Church
In Blount County, Alabama, a youth minister has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including rape, electronic solicitation, and human trafficking. The minister, whose name has not been disclosed, was taken into custody following an investigation by the Blount County Sheriff's Office. The charges also include traveling to meet a child for a sexual act and attempted sodomy. The investigation revealed that the minister had been involved in these activities while serving at a local church, leading to his immediate arrest and detention​.
For further details, you can read the full article here.
ARSON
Kentucky Firefighters Confess to Church Arson
Two firefighters from Corinth, Kentucky, have been charged with second-degree arson for starting a fire at Shiloh Full Gospel Church in Grant County. The firefighters, aged 23 and 24, were among the first responders at the scene and later confessed to initiating the blaze. Both are currently held on $10,000 bail each. The incident is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Kentucky State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
It’s a bit of a secret that a lot of arsonists are firefighters. The arsonists set the fire to get the thrill of fighting the fire.
Man Arrested for Arson of Church Vans in Spartanburg, SC
A man has turned himself in after setting fire to two church vans at the United House of Prayer for All People in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The incident, which occurred on July 5th, resulted in significant damage to the vehicles. The suspect, who surrendered to authorities on July 6th, is now facing arson charges. The motive behind the act remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing as deputies seek additional information.
The best thing you can do in a case, like this is to ensure that your church has a fire alarm. You should also install 4K video cameras that record to the cloud so you can capture images of the suspect committing the crime.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Arrest Made in Gwinnett County Church Vandalism Case
Gwinnett County Police arrested two teenagers in connection with acts of vandalism at a church in downtown Buford, Georgia. The suspects, whose identities have not been released due to their juvenile status, were charged with criminal damage in the second degree and criminal trespass. Surveillance footage captured them spray-painting racist language and hate speech on a dumpster, a nearby street sign, and a business on East Main Street. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have requested anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Our country’s youth has been brainwashed into thinking that American Churches are the problem when it comes to the Middle East. Some outwardly support Hamas and are vandalizing our churches after being encouraged by antagonists online. Make sure you have a burglar/fire alarm and that you have a 4k video system to ID suspects.
For more details, read the full article here.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Church Burglary Suspect
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help to locate Kendarius Hilton, a 20-year-old male suspected of a recent church burglary in Hinds County, Mississippi. Hilton is described as approximately 5'6" tall and weighing 115 pounds. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, offering a reward of up to $2,500 for tips leading to his arrest.
For more details, read the full article here.
Vandalism of Church and Businesses in San Fernando Valley
A man wielding a baseball bat vandalized a church and several businesses in the San Fernando Valley on July 9, 2024. The suspect caused significant property damage during the rampage, which police are investigating as a possible hate crime. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. The community has expressed shock and concern over the incident.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Russian Security Thwarts Terrorist Attack on Christian Church
The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia thwarted a planned terrorist attack on an Orthodox Christian church in Maikop. The attacker, a foreign national from a Central Asian country and member of a banned international terrorist organization, intended to kill church priests and security guards and set the church on fire. The individual had prepared incendiary bombs and planned to film the attack for online dissemination before fleeing the country. Criminal proceedings for terrorism have been initiated.
He may be from Tajikistan. Currently, Homeland Security has issued alerts to local law enforcement that there are up to 400 Taji’s in the U.S. that came across the border. Border Patrol has been told to not release Taji’s coming across the border due to ties to ISIS. This has me very worried. I do believe we will have an attack at our churches based on what I am seeing in other countries involving ISIS. We need to be vigilant.
For further details, read the full article here.
Church Youth Leader Arrested in Osun State, Nigeria
In Osun State, Nigeria, a church youth leader has been arrested in connection with the death of a mother of three. The incident took place at a local church, where the victim was found deceased under suspicious circumstances. Police apprehended the suspect following an investigation and are currently holding him as they gather more evidence. The case has shocked the local community, and authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
Terror Attacks Force Denomination to Close 70 Churches in Nigeria
The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) has closed 70 churches in Nigeria's Plateau state due to terrorist attacks by Fulani herdsmen and other groups. These attacks have displaced many congregations, forcing them into Internally Displaced People’s camps. COCIN President, Rev. Amos Mohzo, detailed the extensive damage, including the burning of worship buildings and homes. Efforts are underway to rebuild and support the displaced members, although ongoing violence hampers these efforts.
For more details, read the full article here.
