Police Say Detroit Pastor Released After Fatal Shooting

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit police say they have released a pastor of a storefront church who shot and killed a man who tried to attack him during a service.

Officer Keisha Beasley-Dorsey said Monday that the 36-year-old pastor, whom authorities aren't identifying, was released Sunday after the shooting at the small church on the city's northwest side. Beasley-Dorsey says no charging decision has been made and declined to discuss case details while the investigation continues.

Assistant Detroit Police Chief Steve Dolunt told reporters Sunday that the shooting happened during the afternoon service at the City of God church. He says the pastor and 25-year-old man had prior "issues."

The man allegedly was upset that the pastor had impregnated his wife.

"He was very forthcoming and he was released on his own," said Dolunt.

WWJ's Legal Analyst Charlie Lanton says charges may stem on whether the pastor felt in mortal danger.

One can use deadly force if he or another honestly believes that they are being threatened with imminent death or great bodily harm -- Michigan's self defense law therefore would allow the pastor to shot a man with a brick -- assuming the pastor believed he was threatened says Langton.

However, churches are considered gun-free zones in Michigan. Michigan law does allow the head of a church to give permission to another to have a gun in church Langton says.

Detroit police are expected to submit a request for warrant to the Prosecutor's Office to investigate whether the shooting was justified.

Dolunt says the man threatened the pastor with a brick. The pastor shot him several times with a pistol. The man died at a hospital. 

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