CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A cookout in east Charlotte Sunday was also an unconventional crime-fighting tool.

First Baptist Church took its Sunday night services to the Timber Ridge apartments.

It’s the scene where two police officers were killed a couple years ago, and more recently, a man killed his pregnant girlfriend and himself.

The pastor of First Baptist Church said he wanted to bring a positive message to the troubled apartment complex.

"First Baptist Church is not your stereotypical Uptown white church," the Rev. Mark Harris said.

Harris said his church is filled with members who are dedicated to caring for others.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers said it’s also a great way to build relationships in a low-stress environment.

"To be able to come to something like this, at a time like this. It’s peaceful and people get to see us different," Deputy Chief Harold Medlock said.

The cookout included a brief concert and a sermon.