A new video released by the family of a man involved in a street fight with Pastor Tony Spell is giving the public a closer look at the moments leading up to the altercation outside Life Tabernacle Church in Central, Louisiana.
The footage, shared by the family that lives across the street from the church, appears to show Spell charging across the road to confront his 20-year-old neighbor.
According to WAFB’s I-Team, the video appears to show the young man swinging first before Spell pinned him down and struck him several times while he was curled up on the ground.
Spell was arrested on Tuesday, June 23, on a charge of second-degree battery. He has since posted bond. Arrest records say the attack happened around 11 a.m. on Hooper Road, near the church where Spell serves as pastor.
What led to the confrontation
The alleged victim told investigators he shouted a profanity at Spell before the fight broke out. Authorities say Spell then ran across the street and started the physical confrontation.
The young man’s father, Scott Sherwin, said his son needed five stitches in his chin after the attack and said there has been a long-running feud between his family and Spell.
Spell has given a different account. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the pastor said his neighbor threatened to harm his wife, his children, and his church family, and claimed he had no choice but to step in and protect them.
He has called himself the natural protector of his family and his congregation.
Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran said his department was not involved in the investigation, noting that the case was handled by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and that records show only a handful of incidents involving the Spell family over the past four years.
What people are saying
The video has stirred plenty of reaction online, with commenters split over who is to blame.
Sarah R Sotillo wrote, “Dude started the fight then started screaming like a kid when he realized he screwed up and couldn’t finish it.”
Bill Cathey argued the footage supports a self-defense claim, writing,
“Watch closely. Preacher coming across the street after being provoked, however, he comes up to the idiot with his hands down and the idiot threw the first punch. Then the preacher showed him how to throw punches in a more effective manner. Put me on the jury, preacher walks in a case of self defense.”
Not everyone agreed. Shawn Babin commented,
“Pastor didnt throw the first punch. He did throw the next 20 tho.”
Jason Curi defended the pastor’s actions, saying,
“Pastor gotta protect the flock from the wolves.”
Michelle Domingue Theriot added a bit of humor to the thread, writing,
“The textbook definition of PRAY WITH ME, DON’T PLAY WITH ME!”
Stefanie Wilbanks took a lighter view of the whole situation, saying,
“You know what, nobody ended up dead, nobody used weapons just a good ole fistfight! Carry on nothing to see here!”
The case remains under investigation by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is unclear at this time whether additional charges will be filed against either party involved in the altercation.
