A US police department has defended an officer who interrupted mass at a Florida church to speak to a child involved in a custody dispute.
The police woman refused to leave the service, in spite of pleas from the pastor on the pulpit.
Members of the congregation posted video of the very public encounter on Facebook, amid angry comments about the intrusion.
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This Pensacola Police Dept. officer, Ms. Darling, interrupted our church service as we prepared for Holy Communion. She refused to wait in the foyer as Pastor Freddie Tellis asked! I am livid & feel violated! David Alexander III Lumon May
Posted by Teníadé Toni Broughton on Sunday, September 6, 2015
Teníadé Toni Broughton via Facebook
The Pensicola Police Department has now issued a statement defending their officer's actions, saying the officer had no choice but to enter the church because the family involved had refused to comply with a legal order to return the child's to the custody of the Father:
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Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III has reviewed facts related to a video posted this afternoon on Facebook...
Posted by Pensacola Police Department on Sunday, September 6, 2015
