A pastor who was armed, returned fire on a man who first shot at him multiple times during a confrontation at a church near Poinciana Tuesday.
Deputies say, Pastor Terry Howell of Living Water Fellowship Church, located at 4101 Pleasant Hill Road, was attempting to terminate a maintenance worker, Benjamin Parangan, 47, when the exchange of gunfire occurred.
Witnesses told investigators, at some point Parangan proceeded to take out a handgun, shooting at Howell multiple times.
Quick-thinking Howell, who was armed, returned fire striking Parangan.
Parangan was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center and is reported to be in critical condition.
Howell, the lead pastor at Living Water Fellowship Church, was not injured in the shooting.
Although the investigation is ongoing, deputies believe that Howell acted in self-defense. Parangan will likely face criminal charges.
A childcare facility on the church campus was not affected by the incident, although parents were contacted to pick up their kids.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more.
