Held in church slay after grabbing gun from pastor
A Texas pastor was fatally shot Sunday morning after confronting a man who hid in the church all night while on the run from police, authorities said.
The deadly encounter occurred about 9:20 a.m. at the Starrville Methodist Church in Winona, a small city in East Texas, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said.
The suspect snatched the gun from the pastor’s hand during the confrontation, according to Smith.
Two others were wounded in the showdown — one by gunfire, another who suffered an undisclosed injury in a fall.
The suspect hid in the church overnight after fleeing police in a vehicle chase Saturday night, and the pastor found him inside a bathroom in the church. No names were released by authorities.
“This is not a church-related, religion-related offense,” Smith told reporters Sunday.
After the shooting, the suspect stole the pastor’s car and fled; he was captured in Harrison County and was expected to be charged with capital murder, Smith said.
The gunman was treated at a hospital Sunday for gunshot injuries to his hand, said the sheriff.
Authorities confirmed to the Daily News that the pastor was killed and the suspect was in custody.
“Our hearts are with the victims and the families of those killed or injured in this terrible tragedy,” Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.
“I am grateful for the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect, and I ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for those affected by this horrific shooting. The State of Texas is working closely with first responders and local officials to ensure that justice is served and that the Starrville community has the resources it needs during this time.”