Pastor Shoots Man In The Head For Stealing From His Church

oge okonkwo

September 2, 2014 5:22 PM

The pastor fired at least eight shots.

A pastor has been arrested by the police after shooting a man who was stealing from his church.

62-year-old Willie Littleton was charged with aggravated battery for an incident that occurred outside of Greater Morning Star Baptist Church in Algiers, Louisiana.

Pastor Littleton, a former police officer allegedly caught 50-year-old Rodney Mitchell and 34-year-old Joseph Cross stealing copper tubing from air conditioners outside his church around 4:20 p.m.

According to police reports, Littleton went to his SUV, and got his semi-automatic weapon. The pastor pointed his gun at the men, and ordered them to stop.

The alleged thieves took off on foot before jumping into a pickup truck. The pastor fired at least eight shots, shooting Mitchell twice in the head. He then followed the men in his Lincoln Navigator.

Mitchell was taken to Interim LSU Hospital, and remains in serious condition. Cross – who was unhurt – was arrested for theft, criminal damage, and a parole violation.

Littleton, who is also a local radio personality, was questioned by police, surrendered his weapon, and was allowed to go home. He turned himself in 24 hours later, and was booked on the aggravated battery charge. Littleton was released five hours later on $10,000 bond.

Pastor Littleton is described by the pastor's family and friends as a generous and forgiving man.

neighbor Ricky Smith told reporters.

Before Littleton's arrest, his son, Taschi, said his father was staying prayerful.

"My father is a man of God, and he's prayed up," he said.

If convicted, Littleton faces up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000.

oge okonkwo