Gospel singer, pastor Marvin Winans assaulted, carjacked in Detroit

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DETROIT (AP) — Popular Detroit pastor and gospel singer Marvin Winans was assaulted and carjacked Wednesday afternoon at a gas station on the city’s west side.

The attack happened about 3:20 p.m., and the suspects fled with an unknown amount of cash and Winans’ SUV, police said.

Winans, 54, told WXYZ-TV that four or five young men followed him from inside the gas station and attacked him while he gassed up his vehicle.

Winans said he didn’t believe he was seriously hurt, but planned to seek medical attention.

He said his attackers appeared to be among 10 young men he passed by inside the station, and he warily watched them as he pumped gas.

“I’m just saddened that it has come to this,” Winans said. “This kind of nonsense just has to stop. It’s just the savageness of what’s happening in the street.”

He also believes his attackers didn’t recognize him. Winans is pastor of the 4,500-member Perfecting Church on Detroit’s east side. In February, he gave singer Whitney Houston’s eulogy.

“And if they did, it didn’t make much difference,” said Winans, who has been active in civic issues, including taking a stand against the proliferation of strip clubs in Detroit’s neighborhoods.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.