U.S. worship leader recovering after being stabbed by burglar
North Carolina worship leader Matt Bentley survived four stab wounds after he was attacked by a burglar at his home this week.
On Wednesday, May 11, Bentley of Forest Hill Church's Ballantyne campus entered his home in Barringer Drive only to be confronted by an armed man. The intruder drove off in the pastor's 2013 Nissan Altima, but not before stabbing him on his side, arms, and face.
"He just kind of bum-rushed him, kind of swinging, asking for keys, wallet, phones, et cetera," Bentley's roommate Hudson Hower told WSOC-TV.
A few hours following the incident, Corey Edgerton was arrested on suspicion of perpetrating the attack. According to a document, he has been slapped with several charges, namely: breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with serious bodily injury, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen goods/property, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, and resisting a public officer.
Edgerton is detained at the Mecklenburg County Jail and is expected to make an appearance in court on Thursday. According to The Blaze, the 25-year-old suspect was wanted by probation officers for absconding. His prison records reportedly show that he was put behind bars for two years in connection to break-ins in Wake County.
Bentley's four stab wounds were not life-threatening, and he was released from the hospital the day after. Stacey Martin, communications director at the megachurch, said he is in good spirits.
"He's glad that the injuries aren't any worse than they were," the church representative said. Of the many prayers from well-wishers, she said, "So he's being loved on, cared for well, being covered in prayer."
Gospel singer John P. Kee was among those who send well-wishes to Bentley, tweeting, "Speedy Recovery! Matt Bentley, worship leader at Forest Hill Ballantyne, Charlotte."
Ballantyne is just one of Forest Hill Church's locations in North Carolina. It is also located in Fort Mill, South Blvd., South End/Uptown, South Park, and Waxhaw.