Bodycam Video Shows Louisiana Pastor Tony Spell Using Slur

BATON ROUGE, La. - A newly released bodycam video is potentially adding another layer to the ongoing legal issues surrounding a well-known Baton Rouge, Louisiana pastor.

The footage, captured by deputies with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, shows Pastor Tony Spell making threatening remarks and using a homophobic slur while deputies responded to a noise complaint just days after his arrest on a felony battery charge.

Bodycam Footage Captured During Noise Complaint

According to WBRZ, deputies were called to Spell's neighborhood in Central after a complaint that someone was mowing a lawn around 4 a.m.

The caller, identified as Spell's neighbor, told deputies he believed the early morning activity of yardwork at around 4 a.m. in the morning was intended to intimidate his family following a confrontation that had occurred just two days earlier.

While deputies were speaking with everyone involved, the newly released bodycam footage shows Spell directing a homophobic slur at his neighbor's son before making threatening remarks toward the family. Baton Rouge Police documented the interaction as part of their response to the complaint.

From WBRZ.com -

In response, Spell used an anti-gay slur to describe Sherwin's son.
'He’s just sore because I beat the crap out of his f****t boy,' Spell said. 'And he’s next if he comes over here and harasses these boys,' he said in reference to some teenagers alongside him.

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Latest Development Follows Felony Battery Arrest

The video comes shortly after Spell was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of second-degree battery from an altercation involving his neighbor's son.

Police say the fight happened outside of Life Tabernacle Church on Hooper Road. Video of the confrontation showed Spell crossing the roadway before a physical fight broke out.

Spell has maintained that he acted after hearing threats directed toward his wife and family. The neighboring family has disputed those claims.

Baton Rouge Mowing Guidelines

Although people may not realize it, but there are actual laws in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana concerning how early in the morning, and how late in the day you can do yardwork.

According to hdlegisuite.brla.gov, the legally agreed upon hours you can perform yardwork in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

What Happens Next?

Spell is expected to face the battery charge in court, while the newly released video is likely to receive additional scrutiny as the case moves through the court system.

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Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott