A Fort Walton Beach man was arrested Sunday afternoon after allegedly threatening church security personnel with what appeared to be a rifle while three toddlers sat in his vehicle, police said.
- Salvador Castro Martinez was taken into custody at Destiny Worship Center on Hill Avenue after security called 911 to report reckless behavior in the parking lot, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.
Security personnel reported that Castro Martinez was allegedly revving his vehicle’s engine and performing “burnouts” at approximately 3:28 p.m. on June 8. The suspect allegedly displayed what appeared to be a firearm while children were inside his vehicle, police said.
When security staff instructed Castro Martinez to leave the premises, he allegedly exited his vehicle while holding what appeared to be a black AR-15-style rifle, according to police. Armed security personnel confronted the suspect and repeated their directive for him to leave the property.
- Castro Martinez then allegedly drove recklessly through the parking lot before stopping near the entrance, according to the police report.
Fort Walton Beach officers arrived to find Castro Martinez seated in his vehicle with three toddler-aged children secured in the back seat. Officers took Castro Martinez into custody without further incident and ensured the safety of the children.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the firearm was actually a BB gun that was indistinguishable from a functional firearm due to the absence of distinguishing markings.
Castro Martinez was charged with three counts of child abuse, three counts of aggravated assault and one count of improper exhibition of a weapon. The children are now in the care of family members.
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department thanked the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and praised the Destiny Worship Center security staff for their professional response to the incident.
