Antioch, CA – On Thanksgiving Day, Pastor Nick Neves of First Family Church in Antioch faced an unexpected challenge when an axe-wielding burglar broke into the church early in the morning. The Jiu-Jitus pastor, trained in BJJ, used his martial arts skills to subdue the intruder until the police arrived.
Jiu-Jitsu Pastor Saves the Day
The incident occurred around 2:00 AM when Pastor Neves responded to a security alarm at the church. Upon arrival, he discovered a shattered window and a man inside the building with an axe. The burglar attempted to flee but was confronted by the pastor.
“I shouted at him to stop and told him the police were on their way,” Pastor Neves told NBC News. “He ran, and I grabbed hold of him, and we ended up wrestling in the parking lot of the church.”
The pastor’s Jiu-Jitsu training proved invaluable as he managed to restrain the burglar for about 12 to 15 minutes until the police arrived and took the suspect into custody. The Antioch Police Department praised the Jiu-Jitsu Pastor for his quick thinking and bravery.
“I was just hoping to keep him from getting away so that justice could be done and our church could be protected,” Pastor Neves said. “It was never my goal to hurt the man or do him harm.”
The Aftermath
The burglar, whose identity has not been disclosed, is facing charges of burglary, robbery, and battery. The Jiu-Jitsu pastor, who walked away from the altercation uninjured, expressed forgiveness and hope for the suspect’s future.
“I don’t have hatred towards him,” Pastor Neves said. “Hopefully, he’ll have to sit and think about this, and it’ll change his heart and mind.”
The church suffered around $2,000 in damages, primarily from the broken window. Despite the ordeal, Pastor Neves remains committed to his community and the church’s mission.
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