Pastor Accused of Robbery and Pistol-Whipping Man, Returns to Say Sorry

The victim, who did not want to be identified, was unaware that the 72-year-old man who robbed him is a pastor.

June 3, 2025

An Alabama pastor was arrested last week after he allegedly robbed a man, pistol-whipped him, and afterwards, returned to apologize.

The alleged victim told KMVT that he was walking to the post office when he noticed 72-year-old Roy Powell heading towards him on the sidewalk. After Powell bumped into him, the Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church pastor allegedly told him, “You was in my way, I’m walking down the sidewalk.”

The victim, who declined to be identified, alleges they exchanged words before Powell walked away.

Powell allegedly returned in a truck a few minutes later, struck him in the head with a gun, and took his book bag.

According to court documents, the pastor returned once more to apologize.

Powell was taken into custody where he was charged with first-degree robbery. He was released on $40,000 bond the following day.

The unidentified victim said he was unaware that the man who robbed him is a pastor. “So, when I heard that, I was like ‘wow,’” he said. “I don’t know what to say. Just wow.”