VIDOR — Investigators now said the armed man wearing surgical mask who told police near San Antonio that he was headed to a church to "fulfill prophecy" was actually looking for a church in Vidor.
The FBI is investigating the incident along with ATF and the Texas Rangers. Sequin Police Department officers arrested Tony Albert II on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 for possession of marijuana and being a felon with a firearm.
He told police he was going to a church to fulfill an unspecified prophecy when he was arrested, KENS 5 reported. Albert later said he was searching for the First Baptist Church in Vidor, Texas. Detectives also determined the 9 m.m. Smith and Wesson MP handgun he was carrying was stolen from a Vidor residence.
Investigators have not yet determined if Albert was responsible for the burglary. The Vidor Police department has been made aware of the information and is conducting their own investigation into the burglary, according to law enforcement.
Vidor Police has contacted the pastor about the situation, Chief Rod Carroll said in a news release. Vidor Police is cooperating with other law enforcement about the threat.
Albert is currently being held in the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility with a bond of $200,000. His family said he has a history of mental illness, Carroll said.
"There does not appear to be other individuals involved at this time," Carroll said.
The First Baptist Church of Vidor said law enforcement contacted them Sunday evening, Dec. 30 about what led to Tony Albert's arrest.
"Church leadership is unaware of any motivation prompting Mr. Albert's actions," Pastor Terry L. Wright said in a emailed statement. "Currently the church is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies in this investigation."
The church is continuing to make the safety of those who attend worship services a priority, Wright said. Wright said the church's security plan employs off-duty law enforcement officers for security at services, like many other local churches across Southeast Texas.
"The church will continue to follow the direction of government authorities in this important matter," Wright said.
"We continue to pray for Mr. Albert’s wellbeing," he said.
The Seguin Police Department is also working with the FBI, ATF, Texas Rangers and the Guadalupe County District Attorney's Office as part of the investigation. It is still unknown if additional charges will be filed in the case.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive confirmed information.
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