Independence County, AR – A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday evening after being discovered inside Lifeline Southern Baptist Church shortly before an evening service, according to the Independence County Sheriff’s Office.
Austin Lynn Passmore faces charges of commercial burglary (a Class D felony) and theft of property (a Class C misdemeanor). He is being charged as a habitual offender due to more than four prior felony convictions.
The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when church staff entered the building on their way to a scheduled night service and found Passmore inside. Members immediately called authorities. Deputies responded and arrested him at the scene.
According to the affidavit, Passmore forced entry through a rear door using a pry bar. Items recovered included food and money he had collected from inside the church. Passmore told deputies he broke in because he needed food and a shower.
No injuries were reported, and there was no mention of significant damage beyond the forced entry.
Passmore was booked into the Independence County Jail and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department.
(Information based on the probable cause affidavit and reports as of January 15, 2026. Charges are allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law..)
