NC Pastor Arrested In Vegas High Rise Hotel Room, Long Gun, 2 Handguns, Body Armor, Fentanyl

LAS VEGAS, NV. (THECOUNT) — David Tildon McGee, a pastor from Kernersville, North Carolina, was arrested last month in Las Vegas on charges related to possession of firearms and illegal drugs. McGee, whose name aligns with a pastor at The Bridge Fellowship church in Kernersville, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug-related offense. The arrest was made on August 20 following a call from hotel security at The STRAT resort, where McGee was staying.

Security Concerns Prompt Arrest:

According to a police report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), hotel security at The STRAT became concerned when McGee was seen bringing a shotgun into his room. Despite being told not to bring firearms onto the property, McGee reportedly disregarded the hotel’s instructions, prompting security to notify authorities. Given the proximity of McGee’s hotel room to the Las Vegas Strip and the high elevation of the room, there were heightened concerns about a possible shooter event. The area remains sensitive following the October 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas.

“Due to the events following October 1st, police are called to respond to suspicious situations where multiple firearms are located inside hotels on the Las Vegas Strip,” stated the police report.

The LVMPD Counter-Terrorism Unit was dispatched to investigate, given the nature of the situation.

Search Reveals Firearms, Knives, and Drugs:

Upon arriving at McGee’s room, detectives met with the pastor, who explained that he had flown to Las Vegas to search for his daughter, whom he believed to be struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. McGee claimed that he brought the weapons for his own protection. However, a search of the hotel room revealed an alarming cache of weapons and drugs.

Authorities discovered several knives, a “long gun in a guitar case,” two handguns, and body armor. Additionally, they found two baggies containing what appeared to be marijuana. More concerning, investigators also uncovered “purported fentanyl pills and powder” inside a room safe.

When questioned about the drugs, McGee reportedly admitted to using fentanyl and said he planned to give some of the substance to his daughter.

Legal Proceedings:

McGee was taken into custody on suspicion of multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance and possession of firearms linked to drug activity. While a booking photo has not been released, the arrest has raised questions about the church leader’s activities in Las Vegas.

Court records show that McGee has since been released from jail. Prosecutors have requested additional time to file a formal criminal complaint, and McGee’s next court hearing is set for December 19. As of now, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of McGee’s involvement with the drugs and firearms.

Community Reaction:

McGee’s name matches that of a pastor at The Bridge Fellowship, a church that once operated in Kernersville, North Carolina. The church’s current status is unclear, and there has been no public comment from the church or its leadership regarding the arrest.

The case has shocked many in McGee’s hometown, particularly those who know him through his pastoral work. However, no further details about his daughter’s whereabouts or involvement in the situation have been made public at this time.

Ongoing Investigation:

The arrest of a pastor with a significant weapons arsenal, including fentanyl, has raised serious concerns about the potential dangers of such substances and firearms in vulnerable hands. Las Vegas police, working closely with resort security, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding McGee’s actions and the potential risk posed by the combination of firearms and controlled substances.

With McGee’s next court date scheduled for later this year, the case is expected to reveal more details in the coming months as authorities delve deeper into the matter.

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