Windsor Locks Police Charge Man with Assaulting 75-Year-Old Pastor

Windsor Locks police have arrested the suspect accused of assaulting a local pastor as the 75-year-old man bowed his head and closed his eyes, saying he would pray for the man.

The assault occurred at about 3 p.m. on Aug. 11, when Pastor Earl Imswiler, 75, was in his office at the Living Waters Fellowship Church, at 200a Spring Street.

Police said a former parishioner named Jason Allen, 33, showed up unexpectedly. Imswiler recognized Allen from about 20 years ago when he was a teenager and attended the youth services.

Allen seemed angry and was asking questions that seemed somewhat out of context to Imswiler, according to police.

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Allen wouldn’t say exactly what he wanted of Imswiler or of his church visit, as he was wringing both hands and wiping his forehead. Imswiler said he would pray for Allen, then bowed his head, closed his eyes and began to pray.

At that moment, Allen punched Imswiler on the left side of his mouth causing immediate pain and bleeding, according to police. He knocked off Imswiler’s eyeglasses and the pastor fell to this knees.

Imswiler got up and ran away to his car, then drove to the Windsor Locks Police Department for help. Police and medical aid were immediately initiated as was a search for the assailant.

Imswiler was transported to the hospital where he received stitches, but had no broken bones, according to police.

The investigation continued and positive identification was obtained by WLPD who submitted an arrest warrant for Allen, which was approved by the court.

Police said Allen was later found to be hospitalized on an unrelated matter. Upon his release on Monday, Aug. 24, Allen was aware that he was wanted for this assault and surrendered to WLPD. He was taken into custody without incident.

Allen was charged with third-degree assault of an elderly person and disorderly conduct. He was held on a $25,000 bond and is due back in court on Aug. 28.

Police said Allen has a previously pending case from Enfield.