by CHAMBERSBURG, PA – A Chambersburg woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly pepper spraying a Pennsylvania State Trooper during a confrontation at a local church earlier this week.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Renee Lynn Varner was arrested after refusing to leave the Saint Thomas Assembly of God Church on Wednesday, May 7. Varner is currently being held in Franklin County Jail on $5,000 bail, which she has not posted.
Varner faces several charges, including felony aggravated assault of a designated individual, two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and defiant trespassing.
Incident at St. Thomas Church
Troopers responded to the church around 2:48 p.m. following a report that a woman was refusing to leave the premises. Church officials told police that Varner had been asked multiple times to vacate the property.
Upon arrival, Troopers attempted to arrest Varner for defiant trespassing. However, the situation quickly escalated, leading to one Trooper being injured during the altercation.
Varner Allegedly Used Pepper Spray
According to police, Varner became aggressive and resisted arrest. While being taken to the ground and handcuffed, she reportedly rolled over and pepper sprayed one of the Troopers directly in the face and eyes.
She then ran to a corner of the church while holding out the pepper spray in a threatening manner, police said.
Additional Troopers Deploy Tasers
Backup was called in, and more Troopers arrived on the scene. Authorities deployed tasers to subdue Varner and successfully took her into custody. She was later transported to Chambersburg Hospital for evaluation following her arrest.
Varner’s Explanation to Police
During an interview with State Police, Varner claimed she had gone to the church to charge her phone. She said she refused to leave because she believed the pastor was “stalking her” and failed to show his credentials.
She also claimed she resisted the Troopers for the same reason, insisting they did not show proper identification. As for the pepper spray incident, Varner told police that her finger “accidentally hit it” while on the ground.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
As of May 9, 2025, Varner remains in custody. The Pennsylvania State Police continue their investigation into the incident. No further injuries were reported.
