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Salvation Army employee shot and killed as he shared the gospel with his alleged killer
Image source: TheBlaze

Salvation Army employee shot and killed as he shared the gospel with his alleged killer

William Jones, 27,  allegedly shot and killed Cleveland resident Jared Plesec, 21, in the lobby of Plesec's apartment building over the weekend, according to WKYC-TV.

WJW-TV reported that Plesec was holding his Bible and reading Scripture to the suspect in the moments leading up to his death early Saturday.

According to the WKYC report, local law enforcement revealed that Jones, after allegedly killing Plesec, reportedly went on a carjacking spree that ended in nearby Lakewood.

What are the details?

Plesec, a Bible study teacher for the Salvation Army, was reportedly wearing his uniform, holding his Bible, and proselytizing to his alleged murderer when he was shot in the head and killed.

WKYC noted that Plesec was on his way to collect money for the organization's annual Red Kettle campaign.

According to WKYC, police are charging Jones with aggravated murder, grand theft auto, and fleeing and eluding.

The incident remains under investigation.

Is there more?

The Salvation Army on Sunday released the following statement to WKYC:

It is with a heavy heart that I confirm your email.

Jared was an employee (youth worker) and church member of The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center in Collinwood. Jared died as he lived, sharing God's love. Jared passed away in full Salvation Army uniform with his Bible in hand leaving home on his day off to volunteer at The Salvation Army's Red Kettle.

In the past two days, hundreds of individuals, mostly youth, have flocked to The Salvation Army in Collinwood to pay tribute to Jared's life. They all had one thing in common, Jared loved them, he cared for them and he changed their lives.

Today our we feel great loss that Jared was taken from us too soon. Yet we rejoice that he is in heaven with the loving Heavenly Father he told so many people about.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Maj. Daniel Alverio of the Salvation Army told WJW that Plesec simply wanted to "teach people who God was" and to "love and care for people."

"I would talk to Jared often and he would say that he was not afraid," Alverio revealed. "I would say 'Jared, be careful in the streets.' He said, 'I’m not afraid. I know where I’m going,' and for him he would tell you to die is gain. Like he had no problem with the idea of being persecuted for the gospel."

Alverio added, "He knew what he believed and he was assured that if anything ever happened to him he was going to be alright [sic]."

WJW reported on Monday that the city of Cleveland named a street after Plesec in his honor. According to the report, the portion of Cleveland's Grovewood Avenue near the Salvation Army facility will be named after Plesec.

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Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor

Sarah is a former staff writer for TheBlaze, and a former managing editor and producer at TMZ. She resides in Delaware with her family. You can reach her via Twitter at @thesarahdtaylor.