A man suspected of shooting his father-in-law in the head during a Father's Day mass on Sunday in an Odgen, Utah, church was arrested after fleeing the scene, according to police.
Police obtained Charles Richard Jennings Jr., 35, in nearby Box Elder County after, according to UPI. The shooting took place around noon, and reports say Jennings walked into the St. James Catholic Church and shot his victim in the head.
"This was not a random act of violence," a police statement read. "The suspect was specific in the desired target and action."
A member of the congregation told The Deseret News that the shooting happened just as members were gathering to receive communion and sent some parishioners to take cover while others chased after the gunman.
After the shooting, Jennings traveled along 495 N and ended up in the backyard of a residence not too far from the church and begged for help.
The homeowner, who chose to remain anonymous, observed that Jennings was "in a state of distress," could hardly talk because he was breathing so heavily, and told The News that he kept repeating: "I need you to help me."
Complying with the gunman, the owner allowed Jennings to take his truck.
"I knew I had to keep him calm," he told The News. "I didn't know how that was going to end."
Jennings eventually ran out of gas, then fled on foot, ultimately calling a family member for help. Family members contacted authorities, who were not chasing Jennings at the time, according to one account.
The victim's name has not yet been released, but is believed to be in critical, but stable condition at McKay-See Hospital, reports The Washington Post.
The Deseret News reported Jennings has a long history with the law including drug possession and felony domestic violence charges.The family, police, and hospital representatives are scheduled for a news conference on Monday to reveal more details about the shooting.
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