Who is Derek Porter? Man arrested for burglarizing Florida church claims he baptized himself during heist
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA: A Georgia native faces a series of charges after reportedly breaking into a Florida church, causing significant damage, and immersing himself in the baptismal pools during the incident.
Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrested Derek Porter on Friday, August 4, after a suspected burglary at the Emerald Beach Church of God, located off Alf Coleman Rd in Panama City. The accused allegedly caused damage worth thousands of dollars, as per WSVN.
Who is Derek Porter?
Porter is currently being held for burglarizing the Emerald Beach Church of God in Panama City Beach, which supposedly cost the church $8,000 in damages. He snatched electronics present in the church before he allegedly submerged himself in the baptistry pool.
Notably, the man was out on bond in Georgia for a burglary allegation when he was arrested in Florida.
When the Bay County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a burglary, the deputies found that Porter had broken into the church by smashing a glass with a cinder block. A female employee was reportedly inside the chapel at the time, and when she heard glass breaking, she ran for cover.
What are the charges against Derek Porter?
Along with causing damages to the church premises, Porter also took the church's money bag and loaded his truck with a number of equipment, including a computer and a television.
He was later arrested with the assistance of the Panama City Beach Police Department (PCBPD), who also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his possession. His charges include burglary of an occupied structure, criminal mischief, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The man is now being held in the Bay County Jail on a $19,500 bond, as reported by WSBTV.
Derek Porter makes an odd claim
Porter alleged to have trouble recalling particular moments inside the church during the incident in later interviews with law authorities. He claimed to have performed a self-baptism in the church's baptismal pool and apparently experienced an enigmatic force holding his head in the water.
When deputies approached Porter, who had his hands up, and inquired about any items he might have on him and whether anyone else was inside, he answered, "I don't know," as seen in the body camera footage uploaded to Facebook by Bay County Sheriff’s Office.