Laurel County man arrested after alleged threats made inside church

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – One man is facing charges after authorities say he made threats inside a church in Laurel County.

According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old James Bell was arrested Sunday after deputies were called to a church where he allegedly made threatening statements.

Officials say Bell reportedly walked into the church and said, “I am here to kill” and “I will kill the children.”

Several churchgoers told deputies they heard the same comments and called 911 while moving children out of the main sanctuary for safety.

When deputies arrived, they did not find a weapon on Bell. However, investigators say he had an odor of alcohol and was slurring his words.

Bell has been charged with terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.