EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, La. (WAFB) – Pastor Tony Spell, the leader of Life Tabernacle Church in Central, is facing a felony charge after authorities say he attacked a man during a confrontation that was captured on surveillance video.
Spell was arrested and charged with second-degree battery. He spent several hours in jail before posting bond and being released.
RELATED: Central Pastor Tony Spell arrested, accused of attacking neighbor
Surveillance video obtained by WAFB appears to show a physical altercation between Spell and a 20-year-old man near Life Tabernacle Church. The video shows punches being thrown before both men fall to the ground.
Another video provided by the alleged victim’s father appears to show Spell running across the street toward the young man moments before the fight began.
According to arrest documents, the alleged victim told investigators he shouted a profanity at Spell before the confrontation. Authorities say Spell then crossed the street and initiated the fight.
Photos provided by the victim’s father, Scott Sherwin, show injuries the young man suffered following the altercation. Sherwin said his son required five stitches in his chin.
Sherwin also told the WAFB I-TEAM there has been a long-standing feud between his family and Spell.
Following his release from jail, Spell briefly spoke with reporters but declined to discuss the allegations.
“I have no comment,” Spell said.
Spell said he plans to address the matter in court.
“I’ll be in court September 15. The truth will come out in court,” he said.
Despite the charge against him, Spell indicated he was focused on returning to his church duties.
“I’m headed to the pulpit right now. I have a red-hot sermon ready,” Spell said.
The case remains under investigation.
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