Memphis police said a pastor was shot outside a church Sunday morning as onlookers said the clergyman was trying to thwart a pair of car thieves.
Authorities said officers responded to the shooting at New Zionfield Baptist Church just before 9:15 a.m. in South Memphis.
Police said the pastor was suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Parishioners who spoke with local CBS affiliate WREG-TV identified the victim as 70-year-old Clemmie Livingston Jr.
The churchgoers said Mr. Livingston was attempting to stop two car thieves who were stealing a Sunday school teacher’s car.
Authorities only described the two suspects as wearing hoodies.