FALLING WATERS, W.Va. — A Berkeley County man is free on bond after allegedly disturbing a church service.
A news release from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said David Bates, 39, of Martinsburg, was yelling profanities and making threats toward church staff and congregants at the Marlowe Assembly of God church in Falling Waters Sunday morning.
Those at the church thought they heard gunshots and deputies were called.
The sheriff’s office said once deputies arrived on the scene they determined Bates was shooting off fireworks. They said he was mad at the church for allegedly disrupting his hunting activities.
Deputies said Bates originally refused to give them his identification. He said he was on his own property and didn’t have to. He was then arrested on charges of obstruction and disruption of church services.
Bates was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail and later released on a personal recognizance bond.
The sheriff’s office said “it recognizes the importance of ensuring that residents can attend religious services without intimidation, threats, or intentional disruption. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all members of the community.”