The Traffic

"Martial Arts Pastor Fights Off Axe-Wielding Intruder in Epic Thanksgiving Showdown"

By Achimi Muktar

Thanksgiving morning took a dramatic turn at First Family Church in Antioch, California, when an intruder armed with an axe found himself facing a pastor who was more than ready for the challenge. Pastor Nick Neves, trained in mixed martial arts, became an unlikely hero, subduing the would-be burglar in a tense, 15-minute altercation.

Alarm and Action

The drama unfolded in the early hours of Thanksgiving after an alarm was triggered at the church. Pastor Neves, 46, immediately responded, confronting the intruder in the parking lot. The suspect, who had smashed a window to gain entry, was carrying an axe, presumably the tool used for the break-in.

“I shouted at him to stop and warned that the police were on their way,” Neves recounted to NBC News. But instead of fleeing, the intruder opted to fight—an unfortunate choice given Neves’ background in jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.

The Battle of Good vs. Evil

What followed was a gripping showdown between the pastor and the intruder. Neves, relying on his martial arts training, managed to wrestle the man to the ground without causing injury.

“I was able to pin him to the ground,” Neves explained. “He tried to get up and escape several times, but I focused on wearing him out because I knew I could outlast him.”

For 15 tense minutes, the pastor held his ground until police arrived to take the suspect into custody. Officers recovered the axe at the scene, further solidifying the intruder’s intent to cause harm.

Faith Meets Self-Defense

The Antioch Police Department praised Neves’ bravery in a Facebook post, highlighting the pastor’s decisive action. “When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered, he chose to fight rather than repent,” the statement read. “What he did not know was that the pastor would win this battle of good and evil.”

Neves, however, viewed the incident through a lens of compassion and missed opportunity. “If he had come a couple of days earlier, he would have been blessed with food and care,” he reflected. “Instead, he chose to smash windows and desecrate property, hurting the ministries in the process.”

A Hero and a Warning

Pastor Neves’ actions have made headlines, serving as both an inspiring tale of courage and a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faith leaders sometimes face. While his martial arts training equipped him to protect his church, his response was also rooted in a commitment to safeguard his community and extend compassion—even to those who might harm it.

As Thanksgiving ended on a victorious yet sobering note for Neves, one lesson stood out: whether in faith or self-defense, preparation and resolve can turn even the most chaotic situations into triumphs