Heroic Church Staff Foil Potential Mass Shooting by Subduing Armed Man: A Close Call

WAYNE, Mich. — On a typical Sunday morning, a church service was interrupted by a frightening event. At CrossPointe Community Church, parishioners noticed a man driving erratically. Shortly after, he stepped out of his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and armed with multiple guns.

According to Police Chief Ryan Strong, the man began firing towards the church. Quick thinking parishioners acted fast. One church member used his truck to hit the gunman, creating a crucial moment for church staff to respond. At least two staff members returned fire, ultimately stopping the threat.

The gunman was later identified as a 31-year-old white male. Thankfully, only one person received a gunshot wound to the leg, and the church, attending around 150 people, avoided a larger tragedy.

Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. confirmed that no other injuries occurred among the congregation. “It was a surreal moment,” he said. Another worshipper, Wendy Bodin, described hearing a loud “boom” and initially mistaking the scene for an accident. “Then I saw people running and realized something was very wrong,” she recounted. The quick response of both staff and other parishioners likely saved many lives during the attack.

The police are still investigating the incident. The suspect’s motive remains unclear, but Chief Strong noted signs of a possible mental health crisis. This event underscores a growing concern in America about mental health and gun violence. Recent studies suggest that nearly 20% of gun violence incidents involve individuals with untreated mental health issues.

In similar situations, expert opinions often highlight the importance of training and preparedness in places of worship. Security experts recommend that churches implement safety measures, which could include emergency drills or training for staff on how to handle potential threats. Engaging with local law enforcement to create a safety plan can also be vital.

As the investigation continues, it’s important to reflect on how communities can respond more effectively to such alarming events. This incident in Wayne serves as both a sobering reminder and a call for dialogue around mental health and public safety.

For more updates, follow local authorities and news sources like [WXYZ-TV](https://www.wxyz.com/news/active-shooter-shot-killed-by-wayne-church-security-guard-multiple-people-injured) as they release new information.

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Shootings, Michigan, Ryan Strong, General news, National, Gun violence, AP Top News, MI State Wire, Wendy Bodin, Finley Carter III, U.S. news, Religion, Bobby Kelly Jr., Daniel Bongino