In Lexington, North Carolina, a potentially dangerous situation was averted when church members intervened to subdue a combative individual attempting to force his way into Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church during services last Sunday. According to reports, the man’s aggressive behavior and suspicious actions prompted quick action from those present.
Kevin Toler, a member of the church, told WXII-TV that the suspect was “reaching back in his pants,” leading Toler to believe he might be armed or have malicious intent. “At that point, I knew I could not let him back inside,” Toler stated. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing Toler and another church member tackling the suspect, later identified as Christopher Bennett, outside the church in Vanceboro, N.C.
Surveillance footage shows NC church members pushing intruder to ground before deputies arrive
Bennett’s combative behavior continued even after Craven County deputies arrived on the scene. Officers deployed a Taser to subdue him and take him into custody, as reported by WITN-TV. Deputies noted that Bennett appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Further investigation revealed that Bennett had allegedly assaulted a family member prior to the incident at the church. The woman informed officers that Bennett was reportedly under the influence of crystal meth at the time, according to WXII.
Bennett faces a multitude of charges, including trespassing, disorderly conduct, assault on a female, interfering with emergency communications, false imprisonment, felonious breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, and felonious larceny of a motor vehicle, WITN reported.
This incident occurred just a week after a church member in White Settlement, Texas, fatally shot a gunman who entered the building and murdered two people, highlighting the increasing need for vigilance in places of worship. This event underscores the importance of church security and the courage of individuals willing to protect their community. The police were able to take control of the situation after the initial apprehension by the church members.