Steve Kihlthau, California Pastor, Tackles And Restrains Repeat Robber Until Police Arrive

As a pastor, Steve Kihlthau channels the voice of God. As a defender of his church, he channels the fist of God.

Kihlthau tackled a repeat burglar at the Stockton Baptist Church just after Easter Sunday, and restrained the thief until police arrived, CBS 13 reports.

After a fourth break-in at the church in just a week, Kihlthau reportedly sat in wait for the thief. When a burglary alarm went off at 3 a.m.

"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,'" he told Fox News.

The 60-year-old then tackled the suspect and wrestled him for about five minutes, pinning him on the ground. Police arrived a short time later, and Kihlthau escaped with only cuts and bruises.

He defended the citizen's arrest with the Good Word.

"When Jesus said turn the other cheek, he wasn’t talking about letting them rip you off," he told Fox 40.

The holy war led to the arrest of 52-year-old Dwayne Hickingbottom, who was charged with burglary, battery and vandalism.