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An Incident Occurred At A Church
The incident at Central Ministries near Fort Wayne, Indiana, involved an Allen County Sheriff’s officer discharging their weapon during a church event. This incident raises concerns about safety at public gatherings and the necessity of law enforcement presence.
What Was The Living Nativity
Central Ministries hosts the cherished annual event, The Living Nativity, which vividly brings the gospel message to life. This immersive experience features real characters, live animals, and dramatic scenes, creating a captivating and memorable journey.
It provides attendees with a unique opportunity to journey through key moments of the nativity story, visiting locations like Bethlehem and Herod’s Palace. Roman soldiers, vibrant costumes, and interactive storytelling create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that captures the essence of the Christmas story.
An Open Event That Invites Everyone
This event is open to everyone, not just members of Central Ministries, and it is entirely free of charge, though donations are welcomed. Designed to accommodate people from all walks of life, The Living Nativity allows visitors to experience the event from the comfort of their vehicles. An audio program, accessible through the Central Ministries app, narrates the scenes as attendees drive through, adding depth and context to the visual elements. This accessibility makes the event both inclusive and enjoyable for families, including those with small children or individuals with mobility concerns.
Rain Or Shine The Show Must Go On
The Living Nativity operates regardless of weather conditions, embracing the spirit of resilience and dedication from its hundreds of volunteers. Over the years, the event has continued through snow, rain, and freezing temperatures, showcasing the volunteers’ commitment to spreading the gospel. Their effort includes hours of preparation and standing outdoors in the cold to ensure a memorable experience for every guest.
The event typically runs over two evenings, from 6 PM to 9 PM, and although there can be significant wait times due to its popularity, the organizers encourage attendees to make the most of the experience by turning the wait into a festive car party with food and snacks. To ensure an efficient conclusion, cars are added to the line only until 8:30 PM.
Who Is Tyler Levitt
Tyler Leavitt, a 40-year-old man, was arrested for his alleged involvement in a church shooting that took place on a Saturday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The incident occurred at Central Ministries on Schwartz Road during a large outdoor church event.
The Events That Took Place
The events at Central Ministries’ Living Nativity event on a Saturday night took a terrifying turn when Tyler Leavitt, 40, arrived and threatened the lives of more than 100 attendees. According to court documents, Leavitt pulled up to the church’s campus in a pickup truck shortly after 9 p.m., just as the event was concluding.
He Brandished A Gun At Police
Upon being approached by New Haven Police Officer Ted Brandenberger, Leavitt brandished a semiautomatic pistol and yelled his intention to “kill everyone there.” This escalated into chaos as Leavitt drove further onto the church property, endangering attendees and animals.
Church Security Stepped In
Church security personnel intervened, stopping Leavitt’s vehicle and preventing him from driving into the crowd. As the situation unfolded, law enforcement ordered him to halt, but Leavitt continued driving, ultimately crashing his vehicle into a ditch. He used his wife as a human shield during the standoff and resisted arrest, attempting to disarm an officer by grabbing their rifle while also armed with a knife.
Officers Used Force To Detain Him
Officers reportedly had to use force to detain him, and an Allen County Sheriff’s officer fired a shot during the incident. Leavitt was later hospitalized, and his wife was identified as a victim, though it was unclear whether she was one of the two people hospitalized.
In the Hospital, He Cause Problems
While in custody at the hospital, Leavitt caused further disturbances. He removed his heart monitor, made defiant remarks to the officers, and attempted to disarm an officer of their gun and taser, the latter of which he activated but failed to deploy effectively. These additional confrontations required hospital staff and law enforcement to physically restrain him.
The Charges He Faces
Tyler Leavitt faces a series of severe charges stemming from his actions at the Central Ministries Living Nativity event. These charges reflect the significant risks posed by his behavior to public safety, law enforcement, and the community.
Faces Criminal Confinement
The most critical charges include criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon, a serious offense highlighting his use of threats and weaponry to restrict the freedom of others, including reportedly using his wife as a human shield during the standoff.
Criminal Recklessness And Resisting Arrest
Authorities also charged him with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, highlighting how he recklessly endangered more than 100 attendees and animals at the church event. This charge captures the gravity of driving a vehicle onto a crowded property while wielding a firearm. His additional charge of resisting law enforcement (physical) reflects his refusal to comply with officers attempting to detain him, while resisting law enforcement (fleeing in a vehicle) addresses his dangerous behavior while attempting to evade control.
Pointing A Loaded Firearm
Leavitt’s alleged actions of pointing a loaded firearm at a New Haven police officer led to a charge of pointing a loaded firearm at another person, an act of direct and immediate threat to law enforcement. He also faces disarming a law enforcement officer, as he attempted to take a rifle and later a gun from officers, further escalating the tension and potential for harm.
Disorderly Conduct
The charge of disorderly conduct speaks to the overall chaos and disruption he caused during what was meant to be a peaceful event. His behavior, characterized by verbal threats and non-compliance, endangered not only himself but also the broader community. Lastly, the multiple counts of resisting arrest further illustrate his repeated defiance toward law enforcement, even continuing his disruptive conduct while hospitalized.
Together, these charges portray a highly volatile situation with widespread implications for public safety. They also highlight the critical role of law enforcement in swiftly responding to and neutralizing such threats. As the legal proceedings unfold, these charges will serve as a framework for accountability, shedding light on the severity of Leavitt’s actions and their impact on the community.
Released On Bail
Tyler Leavitt’s release on monitored conditional release after posting bond has stirred discussions about balancing individual rights with public safety concerns. Authorities allowed Leavitt to leave custody under strict conditions to ensure he complies with legal obligations and protects public safety. This decision follows the multiple charges he faces related to the chaotic incident at Central Ministries’ Living Nativity event. His release comes as Allen County Circuit Court considers a petition under Indiana’s Jake Lair Law, commonly referred to as the Red Flag Law.
What Is The Red Flag Law
The Red Flag Law allows law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. In this case, the law was invoked following Leavitt’s alleged violent and erratic behavior, which included wielding a firearm and threatening to harm others. The petition signals a precautionary step by authorities to mitigate any potential risks while Leavitt remains out of detention. By invoking the Red Flag Law, law enforcement aims to address the immediate concerns surrounding public safety without infringing on Leavitt’s due process rights.
Leavitt’s conditional release likely includes measures such as electronic monitoring, restrictions on firearm possession, and mandated court appearances. The conditions actively balance his presumed innocence with the community’s safety. This balance is especially crucial, considering the serious nature of the charges against him, such as criminal confinement, disarming an officer, and criminal recklessness.
His Hearing Is Set
His initial hearing, scheduled for December 16, will provide more clarity on his case and the court’s response to the Red Flag petition. This hearing is expected to address both the criminal charges and the enforcement of any firearm restrictions under the Jake Lair Law. The decision to release Leavitt under bond highlights the complex interplay between criminal justice procedures and preventive measures to avert further danger.
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The Living Nativity FAQ
In previous years, we have not had to cancel despite experiencing snow, rain, or low temperatures. We will hold the event unless the weather makes it unsafe for people to be outside. Updates will be posted on our social media pages.
No, this event is enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle. You can also download an audio program from our Central Ministries app to enhance the experience as you drive through.
This event is open to everyone. It is not restricted to Central Ministries attendees, and all are welcome to join in the experience.
No, there is no entrance fee! Donations are optional and can be made at the end of the event or by scanning the QR code in the program.
We stop adding cars to the line at approximately 8:30 PM to ensure the event concludes on time. A vehicle will mark the end of the line to notify attendees.
