Canton, OH – A 26-year-old youth pastor from Alive Now Church in Canton faces felony charges including vehicular homicide after one of the children in his congregation was fatally injured when he was thrown from a moving church van.
Incident Details: Teen Thrown from Van
On September 6, Rushon Patterson II, the youth pastor at Alive Now Church, allegedly allowed several teenagers to hang onto the outside of a church-owned Ford van as it was driven through the streets of Canton. According to a police report, the teens initially hung onto the van, but most of them jumped off when they noticed a pothole in the road.
However, one of the boys did not see the pothole in time. As the van drove over the bump, the boy was reportedly thrown from the vehicle and struck his head on the street. The impact of his head hitting the pavement ultimately led to his fatal injury.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Patterson now faces one count of vehicular homicide and one count of endangering children. He appeared in court on September 9, where his bail was set at $1 million cash. During the court session, the judge indicated that bond could be revisited at a status conference on Wednesday. Patterson is currently in custody at the Stark County Jail.
Church and Community Impact
The Alive Now Church confirmed that Patterson was a youth pastor there and that the victim was part of the church congregation. However, the church declined to offer further comment on the incident when contacted by reporters.
Ongoing Investigation
The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing. Investigators are examining whether Patterson’s actions were a form of gross negligence or reckless conduct, especially considering the children’s safety and the van’s role in the incident.
Takeaway
This tragic incident raises important questions about supervision and safety protocols for youth activities, especially in relation to how young people interact with vehicles. Law enforcement has emphasized the need for strict regulations when transporting children for church or community events.
Do you think youth activities like this need more oversight? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay informed about this ongoing case.
