Church of Wells member in custody after disrupting Lufkin parade

A member of the controversial Church of Wells is in custody after disrupting the Main Street Lufkin Lighted Christmas Parade, according to the Lufkin Police Department.

Taylor Clifton, 23, was charged with disorderly conduct and violating a city ordinance of interfering with a parade after ignoring an LPD officer's requests.

Clifton was heard yelling, "He doesn't want you to burn" and "it is an abomination," during pauses in the parade.

According to Lufkin police, dispatch received several calls from parade-goers that Clifton and other members were yelling and following attendees, even walking in front of floats.

When officers arrived near East Shepherd Avenue and First Street, they confronted church members and explained they could continue sharing their message as long as they didn't disrupt the parade. All the members complied, except for Clifton, who proceeded to yell, upsetting parents of young children frightened by the display.

Two officers attempted to calm Clifton and the parents, but Clifton refused to comply and was taken into custody.

"We arrested him just as much for his own safety," said LPD Corporal Dale Dodd. "Several people were in his face, trying to fight him. One member of the church was assaulted, but he said he didn't want to file charges."

After the parade, at least two church members began yelling at people on First Street outside of Standpipe Coffee House, upsetting many.

Some parade-goers confronted the church members and asked them why they were ruining the parade.

According to one Church of Wells member, Lufkin Police told him that he was also disturbing the peace and to stop.