Man accused of taking over Alabama church pulpit indicted

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September 26, 2018

A man accused of taking over the pulpit during a church service in Alabama and trying to pull out a gun has been indicted on several charges.

The News Courier of Athens reports 35-year-old Thomas Lewter of Elkmont is charged with attempted assault, domestic violence and menacing.The charges stem from an incident in July at O’Neal Church of Christ.

A document signed by Lewter’s estranged wife says he approached the pulpit and expressed sorrow for what he had to do.

The woman had recently sought a divorce and was in the congregation at the time.

A sheriff’s spokesman says Lewter tried to grab a handgun, and a retired deputy restrained him until police arrived.

A lawyer for Lewter did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

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