Pastor pistol-whipped man, then came back to apologize, investigators say
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) - A well-known pastor in Alabama is accused of pistol-whipping a man during a robbery, according to authorities.
Investigators said 72-year-old Roy Powell, the pastor at Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church, allegedly took a man’s book bag at gunpoint on Mobile Street.
The alleged victim, who doesn’t want to be identified, said he was walking to the post office when Powell was walking toward him on the sidewalk and bumped into him.
“He said, “you was in my way, I’m walking down the sidewalk,” and we had words back and forth.”
The victim said Powell left the scene after they had an argument.
Minutes later, he said Powell came back in a truck and he had a gun, and pistol-whipped him in the head.
Court documents said Powell actually returned to the scene to apologize. However, he was charged with first-degree robbery and released on bond.
The alleged victim says this was his first time walking down Mobile Street and he didn’t know who Powell was but learned he’s a pastor.
“So, when I heard that, I was like “wow.” I don’t know what to say. Just wow.”
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