California pastor tackles burglary suspect, holds him for deputies
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A California pastor whose church was repeatedly broken into finally took matters into his own hands, tackling a burglary suspect and holding him until police responded.
Pastor Steve Kihlthau of Stockton Baptist Church said the sanctuary’s alarm sounded for the fourth time in a week at about 3 a.m. Monday, prompting its alarm company to notify him to check out the situation, FOX 40 reports.
“All of a sudden, I heard a glass door start to open and I see a guy run out, carrying a satchel, a bag and I said a few choice words to say, ‘Stop where you are,’” Kihlthau told the station.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 60-year-old pastor then tackled the suspect when he didn’t spot a weapon.
“We wrestled on the ground,” he continued. “Probably for at least five minutes before the sheriff got here.”
Kihlthau said he had met his limit with four earlier break-ins, costing the church thousands of dollars in equipment, including three computers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dwayne Hickingbottom, 52, was arrested following the incident and was charged with burglary, battery and vandalism, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s deputies said.