Crime
No shots fired after fight between parents led to mass panic at Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas
DALLAS, TX – Dallas police responded to an incident at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Saturday afternoon, where the NCA All-Star National Championship was underway.
The event, which attracts thousands of cheerleaders and their families, was briefly evacuated as a precaution due to reports of a safety concern inside the venue.
Authorities have confirmed that the situation stemmed from an altercation between parents attending the event.
Despite initial speculation on social media regarding a possible shooting, Dallas police clarified that no shots were fired and that there was no active shooter threat.
Witnesses reported crowds running through the streets of Downtown Dallas, seeking safety amid the confusion.
In response, Dallas police established a family reunification center at 400 N. Lamar Street to assist those affected by the evacuation.
It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made in connection to the disturbance.
Varsity Brands, the organizers of the NCA All-Star National Championship, released a statement addressing the situation:
“The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center has been evacuated as a precaution based on reports of a safety concern. NCA security officials are working with law enforcement to quickly investigate these reports. As a precaution, we have suspended activities for today and will continue to work with event staff and local authorities to ensure a safe environment when we resume the event.”
Dallas police are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and have not yet provided additional details.
Authorities urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to follow official updates from law enforcement.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.