The Special Deputy Church Protection Program played a role in the apprehension of a car burglar on Sunday, February 7, at Central Church of Christ.

The program started last year by Sheriff Tim Gobble is believed to be the only one of its kind to train citizens as Special Deputies for protection of lives and property during worship services.

This past Sunday off-duty deputy David Oliver was acting in a security role during morning services when he saw a man prowling in the parking lot. Deputy Oliver and nearby Cleveland Police officers apprehended the man after he was observed throwing a wallet under a car when he realized he was being watched.

The wallet had been taken out of a vehicle in the parking lot where the suspect was seen. The suspect, 48-year-old David Ray Copeland, was arrested and charged with burglary.

Sheriff Gobble said this shows the program is working and having a law enforcement presence on scene protects the lives and property of those attending worship services.