Homeowner uses samurai sword to fight off armed robber in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania robbery suspect was hospitalized after being stabbed with a samurai sword during a home invasion Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Marcus Armstrong, 35, attempted to rob a man at gunpoint outside a Norristown home before forcing his way inside, according to Norristown police.
A female victim managed to escape inside the residence where Armstrong encountered her roommate, who was armed with a samurai sword, police said.
“The roommate defended himself. He had the samurai sword and took a swipe at the suspect,” Detective Josh Samuels told ABC News’ Philadelphia station WPVI. “It was a pretty chaotic scene this morning, I would say for sure.”
Marcus Armstrong in a police photo.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Armstrong allegedly fled the scene but was later found by police with a severe cut. He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, where he remained in stable condition, according to authorities.
Investigators alleged the incident was a random crime of opportunity, claiming that Armstrong targeted the victims after seeing them exchange money outside, police told WPVI.
Police confirmed Armstrong’s weapon was a fake gun, authorities told WPVI. He faces burglary and robbery charges, according to Norristown police.
The samurai sword used in stopping an attempted robbery in Norristown, Pa., Sept. 16, 2025.
Norristown Police Department
“We get lots of instances where sometimes there’s victims, sometimes they fight back. We never advise it, but this time someone fought back, and the fact that they used a samurai sword, I can’t tell you the last time we’ve even seen one,” Det. Stephen Sowell told WPVI.
All alleged robbery attempt victims were unharmed in the incident.
Court records show Armstrong previously pleaded guilty to several charges in Montgomery County, including burglary in 2011 and theft from a motor vehicle in 2012.
The investigation is ongoing.