Ignite Head Pastor’s Nephew Baker Acted and Arrested After Speaking Out Against Sex Abuse Coverups in Church
Ignite Life Center (ILC) pastor Nick Bruce’s brother, nephew of head pastor Mark Vega, and Mariano Rivera Foundation (MRF) alumni, Victor Bruce, spoke out against the child sexual abuse coverups in the church last week.
Jack Walden
Victor Bruce was Baker Acted Friday and then arrested Saturday night on a warrant for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Jason Rarey is alleging that Victor Bruce pulled a gun on him during the Baker Act.
GnvInfo visited Victor Bruce at Meridian Saturday afternoon after learning of his Baker Act.
Victor Bruce’s intake form, written by GPD Officer Dustin Johnson, states the following:
“The subject’s cousin and uncle reported to 911 that the subject made multiple statements to them that he wanted to cause harm to the people at his local church. These statements stemmed from a traumatic incident that he was a victim of by members of this church.
The subject’s cousin, Michael Rey, reported to 911 that the subject spontaneously stated, ‘Im going to shoot up the church.’
Rey first reported this incident to his father, Anthony Rosario. Rosario attempted to address these statements and the subject’s well-being, and during this conversation, the subject advised he will not be happy until everyone at the church dies, he will be okay if he were to die now, and he enjoys shooting squirrels because it makes him feel better. Rosario noticed that the subject’s demeanor had become ‘dark’ since he has been back in town after being away for months. Rosario stated the subject informed him that he has felt worse since being back home.
While speaking to the subject’s mother, Lisa Bruce, she advised the subject has become very irritable and confrontational. She advised that he has threatened violence and has even became so angry he punched a hole in their tile wall.
Ofc. Murriello and I attempted to evaluate the subject but he denied all of the allegations and statements made by his family. The subject was subsequently physically placed under Baker Act due to the statements made by his family and the totality of the circumstances. While attempting to place the subject in handcuffs, he made multiple statements to law enforcement to kill him while he attempted to reach for his firearm on his hip.
Without care or treatment the subject is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself and such neglect or refusal poses and real and present threat of substantial harm to his well-being and others. It is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of family members or friends or the provision of other services.”
Victor Bruce told GnvInfo at Meridian that officers arrived at his residence, and he answered the door.
Victor Bruce, who had a legal firearm in his waistband, said he was told by officers to raise his hands.
Victor Bruce stated he complied with officers and raised his hands, revealing the firearm in his waistband. Victor Bruce stated he did not reach for his firearm and couldn’t have because his hands were away from it.
GPD Officer Kristen Hall filed Victor Bruce’s sworn complaint, stating the following:
“Prior to arrival on scene, LEO was notified that the defendant made threatening statements to several family members about shooting up and killing people affiliated with Ignite Life Center, 404 NW 14th Ave. The defendant specifically stated ‘I’m going ito shoot up the church' and he would not be happy until everyone at the church dies.
Family members reported that the defendant's demeanor had becone increasingly 'dark' irritable, and confrontational. Family members were aware the defendant owned several firearms, and in light of his recent behavior and threatening statements; they feared he intended to act on his threats and consequently contacted LEO.
(Subsequent investigation revealed the defendant possessed multiple firearms including two revolvers, a mini draco, two shot guns, a handgun, an AR-15 style rifle, a bulletproot vest, and over 700 hundred rounds of ammunition within his apartment.)
When LEO contacted the defendant outside his residence, he denied making any statements regarding a mass shooting, despite multiple family members statements. When the victim [Ofc. Rarey] and two other law enforcement officers attempted to detain the defendant to place him under a Baker Act, the defendant physically resisted and attempted to reach a loaded, concealed glock 43X handgun in his waistband.
The defendant's action of reaching for his handgun created a well-founded fear with the victim [Ofc. Rarey] and other officers that the defendant intended to retrieve the firearn to use it against them. The victim [Ofc. Rarey] stated the defendant's actions placed him in fear that violence was imminent, and he would be forced to use his own firearm against the defendant.
LEO removed the firearm before the defendant was able to draw it from his waistband and safely detained him. The victim [Ofc. Rarey] and other LEO on scene were wearing uniforms/insignia and readily identifiable as LEO.“
Victor Bruce has no criminal history, and he is employed as a pet groomer, court records show.
According to the Alachua County Jail, Victor Bruce was initially placed in jail unit 4Echo, a high security level, and was not permitted to make contact with visitors.
As of yesterday, Victor Bruce was moved to a lower security level and will be permitted to make calls and take visitors.
Assistant State Attorney Pamela Brockway filed a pretrial detention motion on Victor Bruce.
Judge David Kreider will hear the state’s motion tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 3B at the Alachua County Criminal Justice Center.
For more information about the crimes at Ignite Life Center refer to the investigation below.
