Las Cruces Police arrest man who allegedly threatened pastor

Las Cruces Police have arrested a man who allegedly was wielding a knife and threatened a pastor of a local church.

James Bernard Wright, 48, is charged with one count each of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon.

At around 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, Las Cruces Police were sent to the Greater St. John Church of God where Wright allegedly threatened a pastor.

Police say that an assistant pastor of the church told them that Wright had, allegedly, previously made a threat to cause damage to the church or harm worshippers.

On Sunday, as the assistant pastor was preparing for services, he noticed Wright outside and called 911. He then went outside to tell Wright that he was not welcome there.

That’s when Wright allegedly wielded a large kitchen knife and verbally threatened the pastor. Officers arrived and quickly located Wright near the church and in possession of a backpack. Inside the backpack, officers located a knife with a blade approximately seven inches long.

No injuries were reported.

Wright was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he was initially held without bond.