Pastor questions Terre Haute's plans for armored vehicle

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - A western Indiana pastor says the city of Terre Haute's plans to acquire an armored vehicle will stoke fear and anxiety among the public.

Matt Larimer is an associate minister with North Terre Haute Christian Church. He's spoken out against a city board's approval of buying a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle for the city police department's strategic response team.

Larimer tells the Tribune-Star the vehicle will "make it more dangerous for police in the long run in that it breaks trust and creates anxiety."

Mayor Duke Bennett supports buying the BearCat. He agrees with the police chief and Vigo County's sheriff that the vehicle's purpose is to protect both officers and the public.

Terre Haute police have received a state grant for the purchase of the $242,000 vehicle.

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Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com