Western Ky. man strangled priest before service, deputies say

SEBREE, Ky. (WTVQ) — A Western Kentucky man was arrested last week after he allegedly strangled a priest before service began, Webster County deputies say.

On Dec. 22 around 7:30 p.m., deputies were called to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sebree for a complaint about an assault on a priest.

Deputy Aaron Elder arrived on the scene and said he saw a man wearing a T-shirt and underwear being detained by the church’s congregation.

Elder said he believed the man, later identified as Steven Sargent, was under the influence.

Sargent allegedly yelled at the priest before strangling him.

He was restrained by church members until deputies arrived at the scene.

Deputies also say Sargent claimed he had a methamphetamine “lab” inside his home that was “about to explode.” Deputies searched his home and found nothing.

Sargent was arrested and charged with strangulation, assault, disorderly conduct and falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement.