California Pastor Takes Down Would-Be Burglar in Church Parking Lot
A routine Thursday morning in Antioch, California, turned into a scene straight out of an action movie when a would-be burglar encountered more than he bargained for at a local church.
Pastor Nick Neves, 46, wasn’t about to let the man get away with attempting to break into his house of worship.
“I yelled at him to stop and the police were on their way, and he ran and I grabbed him and we ended up wrestling in the church park,” Neves told NBC News.
What the thief didn’t know was that the pastor was prepared.
Neves, a man of faith with a passion for fitness, is a trained martial artist.
"I like to keep fit and I’ve studied some jujitsu and kickboxing and I have a background in mixed martial arts," he explained. "So it was very helpful to be able to wrestle this gentleman without really hurting him. I was able to pin him down and he got up a few times and tried to get away, but really I was just trying to wear him down because I knew I could beat him," Neves said.
Reflecting on the incident, Neves couldn’t help but see the irony of the situation.
"If he had come a few days earlier, he would have been blessed, fed and cared for. But instead he decided to break windows and destroy property and do something to harm the church," he lamented.
Neves, however, remains optimistic about the encounter’s potential outcome.
"Father Neves said he hopes the burglar will improve his methods and choose good over evil in the future," he concluded.
2024-11-29 21:33:00
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## From Pulpit to Pavement: An Interview with Pastor Nick Neves
**World Today News:** Pastor Neves,thank you for taking the time to speak with us after yesterday’s unusual event.as a man of faith, many might find your response to the attempted burglary surprising, even contradictory. Can you elaborate on the thought process that led you to physically intervene?
**Pastor Neves:** Thank you for having me. Firstly, I believe in protecting what’s sacred to me, and that includes my church.While I always hope for peaceful resolution, I also feel a responsibility to safeguard our community and the house of God.This young man was clearly in need of guidance, and while I believe in forgiveness and second chances, I also believe in consequences for our actions.
**World Today News:** You mentioned being trained in martial arts. Did this training specifically come into play during the altercation?
**Pastor Neves:** Absolutely.My training allowed me to act instinctively and,I believe,prevent a potentially hazardous situation from escalating further. It allowed me to subdue the individual without resorting to excessive force, ensuring both our safety.
This incident has garnered a lot of attention online. Some people are praising you as a hero, while others believe non-violence should always be the response. How do you feel about these differing opinions?
**pastor Neves:** I appreciate the recognition, but I don’t consider myself a hero. I simply reacted as I felt necessary in that particular moment. As for the debate on violence versus non-violence, it’s a complex issue with no easy answers. Each situation is unique, and we must consider all factors before making a decision. My priority was to protect myself, my property, and ultimately, the young man himself from causing any further harm.
**World Today News:** Where do you see this incident leading? Do you plan on pressing charges against the individual?
**Pastor Neves:** I believe this young man needs help more than punishment. While I will cooperate fully with the police, I ultimately hope for a restorative justice approach. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for him to turn his life around and find a more positive path.
What message do you hope this incident conveys to our readers?
**Pastor Neves:** I hope it emphasizes the importance of community,standing up for what’s right,and believing in second chances. We are all capable of making mistakes, but it’s never too late to choose a different direction.My prayer is that this experience serves as a turning point for this young man and a reminder to all of us that even in challenging situations, we can choose empathy and hope.
