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Florida Pastor Shoots Armed Former Employee

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KISSIMMEE(CBSMiami/AP) — A gunfight broke out between a Florida pastor and an employee after the employee found out he was being fired, according to authorities.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that Living Water Fellowship Church Pastor Terry Howell had been meeting with maintenance worker Benjamin Parangan Tuesday to terminate Parangan's employment with the Kissimmee church.

Witnesses say Parangan pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Howell. He wasn't hurt but returned fire with his own weapon and hit Parangan.

Officials say Parangan was listed in stable condition at a hospital.

Deputies are investigating the shooting as a case of self-defense. Authorities say charges are pending against Parangan.

Earlier this month, Pastor James "Tripp" Battle was fatally shot at his Bradenton church.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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