The pastor of a church in Central Florida shot and critically wounded an employee in self-defense Tuesday morning, after the employee allegedly opened fire upon learning he was out of a job.
Benjamin Parangan Jr., a member of the maintenance crew at Living Water Fellowship in Kissimmee for eight years, allegedly began shooting shortly after 8 a.m. when the pastor told him he was fired, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain said, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Pastor Terry L. Howell Sr., 61, allegedly dodged the gunfire and drew his own pistol, critically wounding Mr. Parangan, 47, the paper reported.
Mr. Parangan’s condition was reportedly upgraded to stable Tuesday evening. He will be taken to jail when he is released from the hospital and charged with aggravated assault with intent to kill, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Mr. Howell and Mr. Parangan both reportedly had concealed-weapon permits. Mr. Howell’s involvement is being investigated as self-defense, the Sentinel reported.
About 16 children were attending day care within the church complex when the shooting occurred; none was harmed, the Sentinel reported.
“We are in full support of the ongoing Osceola County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the traumatic incident that occurred at our church this morning. We will continue to cooperate with the investigators in every way that we can,” Mr. Howell wrote in a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office. “The members of our church will continue to pray for all those involved in this morning’s incident. We would ask all who read this release to do the same.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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