Pastor Thwarts Church Burglary Attempt on Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day, Pastor Nick Neves successfully thwarted a burglary at First Family Church in Antioch, California, using his Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. Responding to an alarm, Neves found a broken window and confronted a man who had used an axe to enter the church and steal items. When the burglar attempted to flee, Neves intervened, informing him he was under citizen's arrest, and a physical struggle ensued until police arrived. The suspect is now in custody and faces charges of burglary, robbery, and battery, with damages to the church estimated in the thousands. Neves expressed no animosity toward the burglar, hoping for a change of heart and emphasizing the importance of community safety. This incident highlights the unexpected challenges people can face while protecting their community spaces.