Pastor Fights Back Against Teen Carjacker in Baltimore

A recent video highlights a dramatic encounter in Baltimore, where a teenager attempted to carjack a prominent pastor, only to find himself on the receiving end of unexpected resistance.

Pastor Kenneth Moales, who leads the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was visiting Baltimore for a funeral in late June when the incident took place.

Just before 9 p.m. on June 29, Pastor Moales parked his car outside a seafood restaurant in the Upper Fells Point area. He was approached by a teen wearing a ski mask who asked for help with a dead cellphone, according to reports from WBAL-TV.

Things escalated quickly when the teen, armed with a gun, demanded the pastor leave his vehicle. Moales recounted, “As soon as I saw him, I knew something was off. I thought about driving away.” The teenager brandished his firearm, ordering Moales out of the car.

Despite the threat, Moales made a split-second decision to fight back. “I got caught up in the moment and swung at him,” he said, recalling the scuffle as he reached for the gun. Surveillance footage captured the intense struggle, lasting around 20 seconds, where Moales tackled the teen to the ground.

“I felt like I was fighting for my life,” the pastor explained, noting that his primary concern was getting home to his family.

During the confrontation, Moales managed to wrest the gun from the teen. He then extended an olive branch, trying to reason with the boy. “I understand how young you are,” he said, offering him a way out. “I’m a pastor, and I’m not going to charge you; just let me have my car.”

However, the teen ultimately ignored this offer and attempted to steal the car. Moales expressed regret over the situation, stating, “It’s disheartening knowing he chose the wrong car that night. I’m not broken, but it hurt me to see his disregard for life.”

The Baltimore Police soon located the pastor’s vehicle and apprehended three suspects, aged 15, 16, and 19. WBAL reported that among them was Mehkai Tindal, the 19-year-old who has been identified in connection with the crime.

In the aftermath, Moales has taken the experience to heart, viewing it as a wake-up call. “I’ve forgiven the young man,” he said. “But this situation underscores a greater issue—many young people feel hopeless, and it’s crucial we do more to guide our youth, especially in Bridgeport.”

Reflecting on the incident, he added, “If we don’t commit to educating this generation more effectively, what happened to me may just be the beginning.” He concluded with gratitude, stating, “Thank you, God, for my life.”