Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
DETROIT (WXYZ) - Detroit police say the pastor who shot and killed a man who threatened him inside a small Detroit church on Sunday afternoon has been questioned and released.
*Earlier this morning, police confirmed to 7 Action News that the pastor had been arrested.*
According to Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolnut, it happened in the 22000 block of Grand River on the city's west side around 1:45 p.m.
Dolnut said the man walked inside the church with a brick, and threatened the pastor. That's when the pastor pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting the man. He was taken to the hospital where he later died, according to police.
Family members have identified the victim as Deante Smith. We're told Smith and the pastor had been friends for many years. But, recently, we're told Deante believed the pastor and Deante's wife were having an affair and got her pregnant.
Family says Deante went to confront the pastor when he was shot and killed.
"He was at his wit's end with this whole situation," said Deante's cousin Detrese. "It didn't have to end like this for him, he was a great boy."
Right now, police are still investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police.