Crime
Video shows people fleeing at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne after shooting
A terrifying scene unfolded Sunday morning at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, when an armed individual attempted to attack the congregation during a special service. Swift and heroic action by church members and security prevented further tragedy.
The incident occurred shortly after 11:15 a.m. on June 22, 2025, during a special vacation Bible school service attended by approximately 150 people, including a larger number of children than usual.
The church, located at 36125 Glenwood Road between South Wayne and South Newburgh Roads, became the site of a violent confrontation as an armed suspect approached the building and began firing.
According to Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr., the suspect did not gain entry into the church, but fired several shots into the building from outside.
Most congregants initially believed the sounds were related to nearby construction and continued with the service until church security advised them to evacuate.
Pastor Kelly said a quick-thinking church deacon used his vehicle to strike the suspect as he approached the church, slowing him down long enough for an armed security guard to intervene.
The guard engaged the attacker and fatally shot him. During the exchange, the security guard was struck in the leg and sustained a non-life-threatening injury.
“He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Pastor Kelly said. “That moment gave our security guard the opportunity to act.”
No other church members were physically injured, though the emotional toll was evident. Worshippers fled the building in fear as law enforcement arrived and secured the area.
Wayne Police Department confirmed that they responded to reports of an active shooter at the church and that the suspected gunman was killed at the scene.
Officers continue to investigate the incident, and the identity of the suspect has not been released. Police say the attacker does not appear to have any known affiliation with the church.
In a social media post around noon, Wayne police advised residents to avoid the area while the investigation remained active.
Despite initial reports suggesting multiple victims, church officials later clarified that only the security guard was injured.
Pastor Kelly noted that CrossPointe Community Church established a volunteer security team nearly a decade ago in response to the rising trend of violence at places of worship across the country. Until now, the church had never received a threat.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” Kelly said. “But we were prepared, and I am thankful for the brave men and women who acted quickly to protect our church family.”
Kelly added that the children present are “doing well,” and the congregation is rallying together in the aftermath of the incident. “We will be convening our leadership to put a formal plan in place for the days ahead,” he said.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and review surveillance footage as the investigation unfolds. Further updates are expected in the coming days.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.