Pastor Charged with Endangering Child’s Welfare After Leaving 5-Year-Old Unattended in Car

A pastor in Dothan, Alabama, faces criminal charges after leaving a 5-year-old child unattended in his vehicle while he drank at a bar. The incident occurred over the weekend, leading to an investigation by local authorities.

Dothan Police Department Lt. Scott Owens confirmed that John Gibson, the accused, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child following the discovery of the child in his SUV. The child was found unattended in the vehicle, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

The child’s family member was identified as the owner of the vehicle, and the child was taken into the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources until family members arrived. The exact relationship between the child and Gibson remains undisclosed to protect the child’s identity.

Temperatures during the incident were in the low 80s, yet police emphasized the dangers of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, regardless of the weather conditions. The child was reported to be unharmed upon discovery.

Gibson, who was a pastor at First Baptist Church of Dothan, has been released on $500 bond. The church stated it parted ways with its associate pastor following his arrest, clarifying the incident occurred on personal time and did not involve any of the children in their ministry.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and it remains unclear whether Gibson has retained legal representation. The case highlights the serious consequences of neglecting the safety of children, as seen in (Proverbs 31:8-9) and (Ephesians 5:11).

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