[1]JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–A bi-vocational pastor shot three times during a traffic stop is expected to make a full recovery, according to a spokesperson for Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Roy Wyatt, pastor of Darden Baptist Church, was listed in fair condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit. He has been recovering there since the Nov. 26 shooting.
In addition to his duties as a pastor, Wyatt, 50, is a police officer for the Parsons, Tenn. Police Department.
Wyatt and his partner stopped a car driven by Michael Pearcy who was wanted for questioning by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. After Pearcy allegedly opened fire on Wyatt, the officer’s partner returned fire, killing the suspect.
Wyatt was shot in the face, chest, and leg, according to Doyle Neal, director of missions for the Beech River Baptist Association. “The doctors told us that he lost his right eye,” Neal said. “But he is in good spirits.”
Neal said the pastor’s recovery will be slow. “He’s been through a rough time,” he said. “But the churches in this area are supporting the family through prayer.”
[2]Neal added that Southern Baptist churches in the association have also received offerings for the family.
Wyatt became pastor of the Darden church two weeks prior to the shooting. While their pastor remains in the hospital, church leaders said various members will assume pulpit duties.
Wyatt is a well-respected pastor in the area, according to Neal. Last May, he joined Tennessee Baptists in South America for Crusade Rio ’99 and he also participated on a mission trip to Russia.
Wyatt and his wife, Judy, have two grown sons. Neal said both sons are serving on church staffs.