Dispute Between Church Volunteers Leads To Assault Charge

CLAYTON — A volunteer at a Clayton-area church has been charged with assault following an altercation with another church volunteer during a recent service.

Heath Anthony Capps, of Clayton, was arrested on September 23 and charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred on September 21 at XRC Church, located at 277 Guy Road, where both Capps and the alleged victim — a 56-year-old man from Willow Spring — were serving as volunteers. According to arrest warrants and law enforcement reports, the two men began arguing at church when Capps allegedly struck the other man in the face.

An off-duty sheriff’s deputy working security at XRC intervened and quickly deescalated the situation.

Authorities said the argument stemmed from a disagreement over a shirt.

In a statement to The Johnston County Report, an XRC Church representative addressed the incident:

“Recently, an unfortunate incident occurred between two of our volunteers during a church activity. A dispute escalated, and law enforcement, who was already on site, addressed the matter immediately. As a church, we are deeply saddened by this event. We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered environment for all who serve and worship with us. Our leadership team is taking this matter seriously. We ask our community to join us in prayer for both individuals involved, their families, and our church family as a whole. While this was an isolated event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of grace, accountability, and reconciliation in all we do.”

Capps was released on a $1,000 secured bond pending a court appearance on the misdemeanor charge.