Crime
Suspect in custody after shooting at Holyoke Mall
HOLYOKE, Mass. — Law enforcement officials responded to a report of shots fired at the Holyoke Mall on Friday afternoon, prompting a large-scale police presence and the temporary evacuation of the shopping center.
According to the Holyoke Police Department, officers were dispatched to the mall around 4:40 p.m., following reports of gunfire near the entrance to Round One, an entertainment venue located within the complex.
As the situation unfolded, fire alarms were activated, and shoppers were seen running toward exits, causing brief panic throughout the mall.
Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that no injuries or deaths occurred, and no innocent bystanders were harmed during the incident.
A suspect has been taken into custody, police said.
At this time, the identity of the individual has not been released, and investigators have not disclosed whether a firearm was recovered at the scene.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia addressed the situation in a brief statement on social media, confirming a shooting incident had occurred and assuring the public that the situation was under control and remains under active investigation.
He noted that further information would be provided as it becomes available.
As of Friday evening, the mall remains temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution while officers continue to secure the scene and collect evidence.
The Holyoke Police Department is leading the investigation and has urged the public to remain patient as authorities gather additional details.
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Holyoke Police.
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.