An Alabama associate pastor has stepped down after police charged him with child endangerment for allegedly leaving a young child unattended in a vehicle, while he drank inside a bar.
John Frank Gibson, who served at First Baptist Church of Dothan, was arrested early on Sunday, after witnesses reported seeing a child left strapped in an SUV outside a bar on Ross Clark Circle, local police said.
Lt. Scott Owens from Dothan Police told local media the child was later found alone again when Gibson drove to a nearby 24-hour restaurant: “A child of that age should never be left alone in a vehicle,” he stressed. The child was checked by first responders and is now safe with family.
First Baptist Church of Dothan confirmed Gibson has resigned, and said the incident did not involve any children from its ministry.
“We are in prayer for all involved, and are grateful for the law enforcement personnel who help keep our community safe every day,” the church said. “First Baptist Church of Dothan takes very seriously our responsibility as followers of Christ to obey the law and promote safety.”
Police say the Alabama Department of Human Resources stepped in to protect the child, while family members were contacted.