Florida pastor shoots armed former employee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say the pastor of a central Florida church shot and wounded an employee during a gunfight after the employee learned he was being fired.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Living Water Fellowship Church Pastor Terry Howell had been meeting with maintenance worker Benjamin Parangan Tuesday to terminate Parangan’s employment with the Kissimmee church.

Witnesses say Parangan pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Howell. He wasn’t hurt but returned fire with his own weapon and hit Parangan.

Officials say Parangan was listed in stable condition at a hospital.

Deputies are investigating the shooting as a case of self-defense. Authorities say charges are pending against Parangan.

Earlier this month, Pastor James “Tripp” Battle was fatally shot at his Bradenton church.