Martial arts skills help the pastor subdue intruder until police arrive
In an extraordinary display of courage and martial arts prowess, Pastor Nick Neves transformed from spiritual leader to unexpected hero when he confronted an axe-wielding burglar at First Family Church in Antioch, California, on Thanksgiving morning.
Responding to a security alarm in the early hours, the 46-year-old pastor encountered an intruder who had already shattered a church window with an axe. Undaunted by the potential threat, Neves used his mixed martial arts training to neutralize the situation.
A battle of persistence
“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,” Neves told NBC News. Drawing from his background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, the pastor strategically engaged the burglar, focusing on wearing him down rather than causing significant harm.
Police praise
The Antioch Police Department celebrated Neves’s actions on social media, describing the incident as a “battle of good and evil.” They commended the pastor’s quick thinking and community-minded approach to crime prevention.
Martial arts to the rescue
“I like to stay fit, and I studied some jujitsu and kickboxing, and I have a mixed martial arts background,” Neves explained. “So it was very helpful to be able to grapple with this gentleman without having to do much harm to him.”
For 12 to 15 minutes, Neves wrestled with the intruder, repeatedly pinning him down and preventing escape until law enforcement arrived to take the suspect into custody.
The incident highlights the potential for individual action in community safety. The police department expressed hope that such proactive responses could help turn the tide against local crime.
“We are thankful today that the pastor was uninjured during this incident,” the department noted, emphasizing the remarkable nature of Neves’s intervention.
Reflections
Far from a typical Thanksgiving morning, Pastor Neves’s unexpected heroism demonstrates how personal skills and quick thinking can make a significant difference in confronting criminal activity.
The story serves as a remarkable reminder that heroes can emerge in the most unexpected moments and professions.