GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com)—Gainesville City Manager Cynthia Curry issued a statement regarding an arrest inside a local Christian center over the weekend.
On Sunday, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) says officers arrested Anthony Lee Gainey, Jr., 33, inside the Gainesville Christian Center during a worship service, prompting parishioners to call for officers to leave and raising community concerns over the incident. The arrest followed a report from a Dollar General cashier, who alleged that Gainey attempted theft, demanded cash, and made her feel threatened.
“Parishioners worshipping at Gainesville Christian Center on NE 16th Avenue Sunday morning were interrupted when [GPD] officers, who were actively pursuing a fleeing subject who had been tased, entered the location,” writes Curry. “The subject was apprehended and arrested inside the Gainesville Christian Center.”
Gainey allegedly resisted commands and evaded officers before entering the Gainesville Christian Center, where officers pursued him and made the arrest, causing a disturbance during the service. Video footage on social media shows congregants surrounding officers and asking them to leave.
In response, Curry and GPD Chief Nelson Moya met with church members to discuss the incident. Curry emphasizes that while officers aimed to ensure safety, the situation remains under review, with GPD set to conduct a full investigation.
“The first and foremost priority for the officers was the safety and security of the parishioners,” Curry says in the statement.
Curry says she was attending church services then, saying she received a call from Pastor Lenard Gainey and Police Chief Nelson Moya.
Gainey now faces charges including unarmed robbery, resisting arrest, and probation violation.