A family pastor in Alabama was arrested after allegedly leaving his young child alone in a car for several hours while he drank at a bar and later ate at a nearby restaurant.

According to The Christian Post, Trey Gibson, formerly the associate pastor of families at First Baptist Church of Dothan, was terminated following his arrest on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child after police found one of his children, under the age of 5, unattended in a vehicle.

The incident unfolded over a Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday, when Gibson, according to police reports, left his preschool-aged child alone in a car while he consumed alcohol at a local bar for several hours. He later moved the vehicle to a nearby 24-hour restaurant and continued to leave the child alone in the car while dining inside.

A patron at the scene alerted authorities after noticing the unattended child inside the car. When officers from the Dothan Police Department arrived, bystanders directed them to the parked vehicle containing the young child.

Police quickly identified the vehicle’s owner as Gibson and confirmed that he was the child’s family member. According to Lt. Scott Owens, Gibson was “pretty highly intoxicated” at the time he was taken into custody by law enforcement.

Pastor’s Arrest Leads to Immediate Termination

The child was evaluated by paramedics and found to be unharmed. Temporary care was provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources until other family members arrived to assume custody.

Following Gibson’s arrest, his employer, First Baptist Church of Dothan, released a statement confirming that he had been fired from his position. The church clarified that the incident occurred during Gibson’s personal time and did not involve any young people affiliated with the congregation or student ministry.

“This incident occurred on the staff member’s personal time and in no way involved any of the students or children who participate in our student ministry,” the church said in a public statement. Gibson was immediately removed from the church’s website and social media profiles.

Child Left Unattended in Unsafe Conditions

Lt. Owens emphasized the dangers involved, regardless of environmental conditions. “Regardless of the temperature, someone could have come and kidnapped the child or the child could have had a medical emergency,” Owens said. “It's just an overall unsafe issue to leave a child in the car (alone).”

Gibson, now facing a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child, joined First Baptist Church of Dothan in March 2020. Prior to that, he served for four years as a student minister at First Baptist Church in New Orleans.

The church had previously described Gibson warmly in public communications, noting in a 2022 Facebook post that he enjoyed traveling, trying desserts, visiting coffee shops, dancing at wedding receptions, and spending time with his family. Weekend naps were also reportedly among his favorite pastimes.

Involvement With Mardi Gras Dance Group

Beyond his church responsibilities, Gibson had also been involved in community and regional activities. Since 2017, he was a member of “The 610 Stompers,” a New Orleans-based all-male dance troupe known for its humorous and energetic performances during parades and major events.

According to the group’s website, the 610 Stompers have performed in parades and halftime shows across the United States, including a notable appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The group consists of men ranging from their 20s to their 80s and was founded in 2009.

“While we come from many places, New Orleans is our birthplace and will always be our home,” reads one of the group’s public statements. The 610 Stompers’ mission emphasizes returning “the ordinary man to the glory of dance,” showcasing a mix of entertainment and passion for performance.

Legal and Social Consequences Continue

Gibson’s actions have sparked widespread concern given his former leadership role in a faith-based institution tasked with family and youth ministries. The decision by First Baptist Church to promptly terminate his employment demonstrates the severity of the matter in the eyes of the church leadership.

At this time, it remains unclear whether Gibson has retained legal counsel or if future court proceedings have been scheduled. The charge he faces, endangering the welfare of a child, is classified as a misdemeanor under Alabama law but carries serious reputational consequences.

The incident has also prompted broader community conversations about child safety and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of trust. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of immediate intervention whenever a child is found alone in a potentially dangerous situation.