Police in Northern California said a pastor fought and subdued a burglar who broke in through a church window and tried to run off with multiple items Thanksgiving morning.

Antioch police said Pastor Nick Neves was alerted early Thursday after the break-in activated a burglar alarm inside First Family Church.

Authorities said Mr. Neves walked in on the suspect, who wasn’t identified, carrying an armful of food and other tools as he was trying to leave the house of worship.

The pastor told the burglar he was going to call the police, but the suspect tried to run away.

That’s when police said Mr. Neves tackled and wrestled the man to the ground, restraining him until officers could arrive.

“When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered he decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent,” Antioch police said in a statement. “What he did not know was the pastor would win this battle of good and evil and he held down the perp until APD arrived and placed the man in custody.”

Mr. Neves told CNN that he had been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since high school, but never thought he’d have to use his martial arts in his daily life.

Police said the suspect was being kept behind bars on burglary, robbery and battery charges following the break-in.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.