Aptos man pulls out gun during fight at church

A man was arrested for pulling out a gun during a fight at a church in Aptos.

Wednesday’s incident took place around 3:20 p.m. on Cabrillo College Drive.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, two men were waiting for a weekly food distribution at Twin Lakes Church when they began fighting.

The suspect, Charles Russell allegedly pushed the victim against a wall and threatened to kill him.

Sgt. Brian Cleveland said Russell then went out to his car and grabbed a gun from his trunk and pointed it in the air.

Russell got into his car and drove away.

“Within a few minutes, a deputy spotted Russell and his vehicle in the 8000 block of Soquel Drive,” said Sgt. Cleveland.

Russell was arrested for brandishing a gun near a school campus, brandishing a firearm, battery, threats, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Deputies searched and found the gun inside Russell’s car.

Sgt. Cleveland said once in jail, Russell refused to cooperate with Correctional Officers and was assaultive. Officers used pepper spray to subdue Russell and no injuries were reported.

Russell’s bail was set at $60,000.