Three individuals have been arrested in Etowah County in what law enforcement officials are calling a “murder for hire” plot.

Dispatchers received a call at around 8:30 Saturday night, reporting a burglary at a church in the 400 block of Cleveland Avenue; at approximately the same time a call came in regarding an assault at the property next door to the church.

Attalla Police pulled over an HR Hummer near the scene – that vehicle was being driven by 38 year old Gregory Tavares Crews – also inside were 28 year old Joshua Otey and 27 year old Sherese Jennine Kemp.

According to the report, both Crews and Otey were covered in blood, and Otey was dressed in a vest and uniform similar to that of a security officer.

The victim was reportedly told that he had a warrant and when he turned his back to allow handcuffs to be placed on him, Crews attacked him with a screwdriver and Otey began hitting him with a hammer, shattering his jaw.

The pair fled the scene when the victim’s girlfriend arrived at the home; the man’s injuries were extensive, but not life-threatening; he is currently recuperating in a Birmingham area hospital.

Crews is accused of offering Otey and Kemp a substantial amount of money to help kill the victim; it remains unclear why Crews wanted the man dead.

All three suspects remain in the Etowah County Detention Center, with bond for each set at $200,000.

(al.com/www.al.com)