CENTRAL, La. — Newly released law enforcement body camera video shows Central pastor Tony Spell using a homophobic slur while speaking with deputies during an early morning noise complaint investigation.

The footage was recorded around 4:50 a.m. on June 25, just days after Spell was arrested in connection with an alleged altercation involving a 20-year-old man near Life Tabernacle Church.

According to the body camera video, deputies responded after receiving a complaint that someone was cutting grass before sunrise. When deputies told Spell a neighbor had reported the noise, he responded with a profanity-laced remark that included a homophobic slur directed at the alleged victim from the earlier incident.

Spell is also heard telling deputies that another individual would be "next" if he came onto the property and harassed those standing nearby.

Later in the encounter, a deputy asks Spell to identify himself. Spell responds, "Everybody in the world knows my name. What's the problem?"

Spell's arrest stems from an incident investigators say occurred around 11 a.m. on June 23 near Life Tabernacle Church, where he serves as pastor.

According to arrest documents, the 20-year-old alleged victim told investigators he shouted a profanity at Spell before the confrontation turned physical.

The alleged victim's father, Scott Sherwin, told WAFB there has been a long-running dispute between his family and Spell.

Court records also reference a March 2026 police report in which Spell's wife reported being harassed on two separate occasions. According to that report, she told officers someone made an obscene gesture toward her, followed her vehicle closely, and yelled profanities.

Spell has been charged in connection with the alleged battery. The allegations remain under investigation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.