A quiet Sunday service at a Kentucky church turned tense after a man allegedly entered the building and made disturbing threats about killing people, including children. Church members quickly acted to protect the congregation while authorities were called to the scene. Fortunately, deputies arrived before anyone was harmed, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Children Inside Kentucky Church
A 56-year-old Kentucky man, James D. Bell, has been arrested after authorities say he entered a church and made alarming threats during a Sunday gathering.
Bell has been charged with:
- Second-degree terroristic threatening
- Second-degree disorderly conduct
- Alcohol intoxication in a public place
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Bell is currently being held at the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Incident Happened During Sunday Church Service
The incident took place around 1:10 p.m. on Sunday at a church located off Barbourville Road, just south of London, Kentucky.
The church was later identified as Campground Pentecostal Church, located near the small city of about 8,000 residents, roughly 75 miles south of Lexington.
According to Laurel County Sheriff John Root, Bell allegedly walked into the church and shouted disturbing statements.
Witnesses reported that he said:
- “I am here to kill.”
- “I will kill the children.”
Many members of the congregation reportedly heard the threat clearly, which immediately raised alarm inside the church.
Children Quickly Evacuated
As the situation unfolded, church members acted quickly.
Authorities say:
- One person called 911 immediately.
- Church members moved children out of the main sanctuary for safety.
- Several adults tried to calm the suspect and de-escalate the situation.
Deputies soon arrived at the church while members were still attempting to manage the situation.
Pastor Heard Something Different
Interestingly, the church’s pastor reportedly did not hear the threatening comments directly.
According to reports, the pastor told deputies that he heard Bell asking for help instead.
The suspect also allegedly told people inside the church that he was possessed by a demon.
In response, church members reportedly began praying for him before law enforcement arrived.
Deputies Suspected Alcohol Intoxication
When deputies arrived at the scene, they noticed several signs that Bell may have been intoxicated.
According to the sheriff’s office:
- Deputies smelled a strong odor of alcohol.
- Bell was reportedly slurring his words.
- Officers concluded he was under the influence.
Authorities searched the suspect but did not find any weapons on him.
Arrest and Charges
Bell was taken into custody without further incident.
He was formally charged with:
- Second-degree terroristic threatening
- Second-degree disorderly conduct
- Public alcohol intoxication
These charges relate to making threats that cause fear and disrupting a public gathering.
Court Proceedings
Bell appeared in court for his arraignment on Monday following the arrest.
He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on March 17.
During this hearing, the court will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward.
Community Response
The incident caused concern among church members and residents in the small Kentucky community. However, many also expressed relief that the situation was handled quickly and peacefully.
The fast actions of church members — including evacuating children and contacting emergency services — helped ensure that no one was injured.
Authorities have not reported any further threats connected to the case.
