Ramsey County, Minnesota — A Minnesota pastor is facing felony assault charges after police say a dispute over allegedly pawned tools escalated into a violent stabbing that left a man seriously injured and requiring emergency surgery.
Authorities arrested Terrence Phillip Walker Sr., 61, on June 26 following an investigation into the incident, which occurred late the previous evening at the home of Walker’s girlfriend. According to investigators, the confrontation involved the woman’s former boyfriend, who had gone to the residence seeking receipts for tools he believed had been pawned without his permission.
Dispute Began Over Allegedly Pawned Tools
According to the criminal complaint, the 39-year-old victim arrived at the home because he believed Walker and the woman were planning to pawn tools that belonged to him. He reportedly wanted proof of any transactions and asked to see pawn receipts.
Police said the conversation quickly became heated after the woman was unable to produce the requested receipts.
The victim then went outside, where Walker was working on a vehicle. Investigators say the two men exchanged words before the confrontation became physical.
According to the complaint, Walker allegedly stabbed the man in the abdomen with a serrated hunting knife during the altercation.
Victim Underwent Emergency Surgery
Officers responded to the residence around 10:45 p.m. on June 25 after receiving reports of a stabbing.
When they arrived, police found the victim shirtless, bleeding from his mouth, and holding clothing against a deep abdominal wound. Investigators said the injury was so severe that internal tissue was exposed.
The man was rushed to Regions Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and survived his injuries.
Walker’s girlfriend told investigators she witnessed the confrontation and saw the victim with a bloody lip while clutching his abdomen after the fight.
According to the complaint, Walker allegedly told the injured man:
“You got in my face. You tried to punch me.”
Teen Witness Described Violent Encounter
Police also interviewed the woman’s 15-year-old daughter, who reportedly witnessed the incident.
According to investigators, the teenager said she heard a “slashing sound” during the fight and claimed Walker continued trying to “pounce” on her father even after he had been injured.
She also told officers that Walker was carrying a long knife stored in a green case, according to court documents.
Pastor Found at Church After Incident
Following the stabbing, officers tracked Walker to Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where they learned he serves as the church’s lead pastor.
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During a search, police recovered a razor from Walker, which he reportedly said he used for trimming his beard. Investigators say Walker also allegedly claimed the razor was the weapon he used during the confrontation.
When questioned, Walker told police he had known both his girlfriend and her former partner for many years. He also said the victim had previously attended the church before Walker became its lead pastor.
Walker reportedly told investigators that the victim threw the first punch and that he responded by swinging the blade. He also claimed the man mentioned having a gun in his vehicle and had been acting erratically since moving out of the home.
Investigation Continues as Court Date Approaches
Police also spoke with the victim’s current girlfriend, who said surveillance footage allegedly showed Walker and the victim’s former partner removing tools from the garage. According to investigators, the victim had gone to the home that night intending to retrieve the remainder of his belongings.
Walker has since been charged with assault and was released from the Ramsey County Jail after posting a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 23.
The allegations remain accusations, and the charges will be addressed through the court process as the case moves forward.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe disputes over personal property can escalate too quickly, or should conflicts like this always be handled through legal channels? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
