An early morning Thanksgiving burglary at an Antioch church was thwarted by the church’s pastor, a trained martial artist who managed to subdue the intruder. The confrontation ended with the burglar’s capture, highlighting an unexpected act of defense from the religious leader.
In a surprising turn of events, Pastor Nick Neves used his martial arts training to overpower a burglar attempting to steal from his church in Antioch, NBC News reported.
The incident unfolded early Thursday morning when Pastor Neves, who presides over the local church and is an enthusiast of martial arts, encountered the burglar breaking into the church premises. Trained in jujitsu, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, Neves was preparing for an unusual Thanksgiving this year.
Upon discovering the intruder, Pastor Neves warned him that the police had been alerted and attempted to intercept the burglar. What ensued was an intense physical altercation in the church parking lot. “I shouted at him to stop, and that the police were on their way, and he ran and I grabbed a hold of him and we ended up wrestling in the parking lot of the church,” Pastor Neves recounted.
Pastor Neves' background in various combat sports empowered him to handle the confrontation with minimal harm to both him and the attacker. “I like to stay fit, and I studied some jujitsu and kickboxing and I have a mixed martial arts background. So it was very helpful to be able to grapple with this gentleman without having to do much harm to him,” explained Neves. The struggle continued, lasting between 12 to 15 minutes as they wrestled on the ground.
Eventually, the burglar’s stamina dwindled, allowing Pastor Neves to maintain control over the situation. Neves detailed, "I was able to pin him to the ground and he got up and tried to get away several times, but just trying to wear him out because I knew I could outlast him." This persistence paid off as Neves held the burglar until the police arrived, securing the scene without serious injury.
The burglary attempt occurred just days after the church had provided groceries to 130 needy families, a gesture of goodwill that Pastor Neves found ironically contrasted by the actions of the burglar. “It’s just ironic. If he had come a couple of days earlier, he would have been blessed and get some food and be cared for. But he decided instead to smash windows and desecrate property and do something that’s going to hurt the ministries,” Neves remarked on the timing of the burglary.
Church member Jeff Strawther expressed his relief and gratitude following the incident, praising Pastor Neves' courage and preparedness. “It could’ve gone in a totally different direction and we thank God that it didn’t. He’s very tough and we’re very grateful to God that he’s our pastor and not our enemy,” said Strawther.
Pastor Neves also reflected on the broader implications of the burglary and his hopes for the burglar’s future. “I hope he changes his ways and chooses good over evil," he said, indicating his desire for redemption and change rather than ongoing conflict.
The incident has stirred discussions within the community about security, compassion, and the role of faith in challenging times. The church, while shaken, has seen an outpouring of support from its congregation and neighbors alike, who commend Pastor Neves for his bravery and restraint under pressure.
As the community continues to process the event, they also celebrate the unshakeable spirit of their leader, who managed to protect his flock not just spiritually but physically as well. This event has not only highlighted the risks that come with leading a community but also the profound impact a leader can have in moments of crisis.
While the Thanksgiving burglary attempt was an unfortunate event, it has undoubtedly reinforced the bond within this Antioch church community, underscoring their resilience and collective commitment to safety and support for one another.
