A pastor in Loudoun County, Virginia, was stabbed by his own son at home, the police said.
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Pastor Dave Janney of the Purcellville Baptist Church in Purcellville.
The incident happened at the pastor's home at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5. The suspect was identified as Janney's 19-year-old son Jonathan, WUSA9 reported.
"It's very disturbing. We love him so," said Vickie Leigh of the Leesburg Baptist Church who knows the pastor.
The pastor's daughter called 911 for help. The police officers administered the medic kits to stop the bleeding before help arrived. Jonathan fled but was arrested by the police. He is facing charges of aggravated malicious wounding.
A knife was found by the police.
"He's not known to be a kid of violence. This was a total unknown for us. Are there issues? Obviously. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of them, and the court system can help turn this around for them," Police Chief Cynthia McAlister said.
Church members and residents were stunned by the news.
"He's been here for 20 years. Everybody adores him," said Vickie Leigh.
The pastor was taken to the hospital for treatment.
In a statement, the church said "we want to thank our church family, the community, ministry partners, and friends for their overwhelming outpouring of love for our pastor, his family, and our church.
"It has been a wonderful picture of the Body of Christ at work and the beautiful community we live in. We are happy to report that Pastor Dave Janney is continuing in stable condition and we are thanking God for the miracle that he is expected to make a full recovery," the church said.
It said Pastor Janney has been with the church for more than 20 years and "our main focus is to love and minister to him and his family in order to help bring full healing and recovery."
In an update on Thursday, the church said the pastor was released from the hospital and continues to recover well.
He visited the church staff and the police and fire departments to thank them.
"Please continue to pray for his recovery, his wife, Pam and their entire family," it said.
