On Thanksgiving Day, a remarkable incident unfolded at the First Family Church in Antioch, California, where Pastor Nick Neves, trained in mixed martial arts (MMA), confronted an axe-wielding burglar. The intruder broke a church window in the early hours of the morning, prompting the pastor, 46, to respond after hearing the security alarm. As Neves arrived at the scene, he immediately encountered the would-be thief, who remained unnamed, and attempted to halt the burglary by warning the intruder that the police were on their way. However, this confrontation led to a physical struggle that lasted for nearly 15 minutes in the church parking lot.
During the altercation, Neves skillfully employed techniques from his martial arts training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing while striving to keep the situation under control without resorting to excessive force. As they grappled, he focused on tiring the intruder out, demonstrating both physical prowess and restraint. Pastor Neves expressed confidence in his ability to outlast the burglar, emphasizing his commitment to physical fitness and his diverse MMA background. Ultimately, he was able to pin the thief to the ground, maintaining control until the police arrived at the scene.
In the aftermath of the intense confrontation, Neves emerged unscathed, while the police took the burglar into custody. Reflecting on the event, the pastor remarked on the ironic nature of the situation—if the intruder had approached the church with a different intention, he could have been welcomed and provided for, as the church routinely supports approximately 130 local families with groceries. Neves lamented that the burglar chose vandalism over seeking assistance, thus overshadowing the church’s mission to support and uplift the community.
The incident drew reactions from the church community, with longtime member Jeff Strawther praising Neves’ toughness and expressing appreciation for the pastor’s quick actions during the dangerous event. Strawther noted the potential for the encounter to have escalated dramatically, and he expressed gratitude that the situation was resolved without injury to either party. The sentiment shared by Strawther reflects the broader support Neves has from his congregation, reinforcing the notion that the pastor’s training and quick thinking helped avert a possibly tragic outcome.
Beyond the immediate circumstances of the confrontation, Pastor Neves articulated deeper feelings regarding the nature of the intruder’s actions. He conveyed a sense of disappointment that the man resorted to criminal activity rather than approaching the church in need of help. Neves underscored the mission of the church, which aims to care for those in the community and offer a helping hand to those struggling. This incident, while violent and alarming, highlighted the critical role churches can play in their communities and the importance of approaching those in need with compassion and understanding.
In summary, the altercation between Pastor Nick Neves and the axe-carrying burglar reflects both the challenges faced by communities grappling with crime and the potential for positive intervention through personal courage and outreach efforts. Neves’ martial arts skills allowed him to manage a dangerous situation effectively while maintaining a commitment to his core values of compassion and support. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding issues of crime and support systems, prompting reflection on alternative paths to assistance that could prevent such confrontations in the future.
