By Baptist Message staff
BOSSIER CITY, La. (LBM) – An armed man was arrested after he entered a worship service at Bellaire Baptist Church June 1.
According to KTBS-TV Shreveport, Christopher Dewayne Strong was arrested on the scene after church security detained him. Strong entered the worship center and climbed onto the media platform in the back of the room during the 10:15 am service. The sound technician quietly alerted church security, though the congregation remained unaware of the incident as it occurred.
Strong, who brought a gun and backpack full of ammunition into the building, faces multiple charges including illegal carrying of a weapon, simple battery and terrorism.
Bellaire Baptist Executive Pastor Jeff Harper told the Baptist Message that the church is thankful its security team quickly addressed the situation and that the Bossier City Police Department responded promptly.
“We are grateful for God’s protection Sunday,” Harper said. “Our security team deescalated the situation. Thankfully, our security personnel were able to keep the worst from happening.”
