Church maintenance worker holds up robber at gunpoint following break-in

A Florida church maintenance worker was caught on camera holding up a burglar at gunpoint after the suspect allegedly tried to break into the chapel.

Ed Clayton, an employee at First Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla., brought a gun to work with him after being told someone had tried to break into the church earlier that day.

According to WFLA News, a witness saw a suspect kick in the doors to the church, only to run away.

Clayton said safety concerns prompted him to bring a concealed weapon with him as he fixed the entrance to the chapel.

That’s when the alleged burglar, John Novobylski, 23, came back.

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“I saw the guy walk up the sidewalk and he saw me and took off running. I look over in the bushes and he’s hiding,” Clayton told WFLA. “As soon as I hit the sidewalk… I took my weapon out just in case.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I saw the guy walk up the sidewalk and he saw me and took off running. I look over in the bushes and he's hiding," Clayton told WFLA. "As soon as I hit the sidewalk… I took my weapon out just in case."

Clayton held Novobylski at gunpoint until police arrived on scene.

Officials said Clayton may not face any charges because he was protecting himself and the church and also because he has a permit for the weapon.

Novobylski is facing a criminal mischief charge as well as a $4,000 fine.

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