Bradenton pastor attacked
during church robbery
By Summer Smith, Reporter
Last Updated: Friday, March 4, 2011
Last Updated: Friday, March 4, 2011
VIDEO STORIES
BRADENTON --
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man they say stole from a church and then attacked the pastor at New Vision Baptist Church.
The church is currently under construction in Bradenton and its pastor, Orilange Bien-Aime, caught the men in action after driving by his church.
"I said 'Guys what you doing there?'" Bien-Aime said. "They said 'The boss told me to pick this up here. And I said 'Who's the boss?' They said 'The big boss.' And I said 'No, I'm the boss, guys please put everything down on the floor.'"
Bien-Aime, also known as Pastor Ben, said the men were stealing the metal he had purchased for the roof area of the church and loading it into their truck.
Pastor Ben asked them to stop, but they refused. And when Pastor Ben tried to call 911, things took a turn for the worse.
"I put my hand to pick up the phone and began to call police," he said. "And then they jumped over me and pushed me to the ground."
During the scuffle, Pastor Ben was able to steal the men's keys.
He was able to break away and call for help. Shortly after, deputies arrived and they arrested Joseph Seleb. The other man involved got away.
Pastor Ben was able to get back all $1,200 worth of metal that was stolen.
To make sure nothing gets stolen again, the pastor said he will take all of his building supplies back and forth with him.
Despite what's happened, Pastor Ben says he doesn't hold a grudge against the men, instead he said he hopes this incident will make them change their ways.
"I'm praying for them," he said.
In the meantime, he continues to focus on keeping construction going to get his church built to help those in the community live better lives.
Seleb was arrested and charged with burglary and armed robbery. The other man involved is still on the run.
If you know any information, call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at: 941-747-3011 or Crimestoppers at 1-866-634-tips (8477).
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