ST. LOUIS — Talk to people at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in north St. Louis, and they will light up with a glow for one special guy: Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown.
Everyone at his church calls the beloved officer T.J.
"I've been friends with T. J. for a long time. He's such an outgoing and super nice person," said Quintin Mosby, Brown's friend and fellow church member.
"I've known T.J. from a teenager to full manhood and all of his career. He's also very compassionate and a great father," the Rev. Donald Ray McNeal said.
Police said 28-year-old Elijah Gantt of East St. Louis rushed the 36-year-old Ferguson police officer and knocked him down during a protest on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death in Ferguson.
Brown suffered brain injuries and remains in a coma.
He and Michael Brown were not related.
Brown has two daughters, ages 5 and 8. He worked for the St. Louis County Police Department for 10 years before joining the Ferguson Police Department in January.
His proud pastor said Brown has been a dedicated deacon for the past 10 years and an active member for more than 20.
"The T. J. I know is very disciplined. He's been a disciplined athlete ever since he had a scholarship to a college in Illinois. He has a very small stature, but he's very tough," McNeal said.
"He loves tutoring the kids at our church and being a true leader," Mosby said.
Now, his church is praying for their "true leader," who they said has a huge heart.
"I can also say I've always known Officer Brown to be quite courageous. Yes, I think he will get through this. We are all praying for him and his family," McNeal said.
"I still can't believe that happened to such a nice guy like T. J. I'm praying for a miracle. I'm praying for a blessing. I'm praying for hope. I'm praying for him to just come back to us," Mosby said.
Gantt was charged with assault, resisting arrest and property damage. He remained in jail Monday on a $500,000 bond. He returns to court next Monday.
In the meantime, Ferguson police will release more information Tuesday about the case during a news conference.