Pastor confronts teenage car thief, attempts to show him compassion in dramatic recorded encounter

Pastor Fights Off Carjack Attempt in Baltimore

A Connecticut pastor defended himself against a teenager trying to steal his car during a visit to Baltimore in late June. He described the incident as an example of the suspect choosing the “wrong car.”

Kenneth Moales Jr., who is set to become the bishop of the Holy Spirit Pentecostal Cathedral in Bridgeport, managed to subdue the teenager, even after being confronted with a firearm. Moales recounted reaching for his phone when the suspect approached and immediately sensed something was off. The teen, wearing a ski mask, brandished a gun and demanded he exit the vehicle.

“At that moment, I thought, ‘What’s happening? I’m about to be carjacked,’” Moales recalled.

Despite the fear, he decided to act. Even with the gun pointed at him, he planned to fight back.

“He made a serious mistake choosing my car,” Moales said. He then exited his vehicle, tackled the assailant, and pinned him to the ground. However, a struggle ensued, and the teenager managed to land a few blows before escaping with Moales’ car.

During the confrontation, Moales noticed the attacker was just a teenager and attempted to show some compassion, but the suspect overpowered him.

“I honestly felt more hurt knowing he didn’t respect me, especially as a pastor trying to give him a chance,” he expressed.

Moales was hospitalized due to serious injuries but is now recovering. His car was found the next day, and police arrested three male suspects aged 15, 16, and 19.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has promised that the young offenders will face consequences for their actions.

In recent days, at least nine teenagers have been apprehended in connection with two different carjacking incidents.

Moales’ properties in Bridgeport, which include the Tabernacle Church of the Prayer of Love and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, have faced financial difficulties. Reports indicate that in 2022, the church was seized due to an outstanding mortgage of $8 million.