Alleged Thief Foiled by Samurai Sword

Friday, May 9th, 2003

Alleged Thief Foiled by Samurai Sword:

A suspected car thief armed with a gun tried to elude police by running into a house, but was chased right back out by the home’s Samurai-sword-wielding resident, police said Thursday.

Wanton Beckwith, 27, of Rialto was booked for investigation of grand theft auto, being an ex-felon in possession of a gun, being under the influence with a gun, evading police and felony hit and run.

Beckwith was allegedly driving a stolen car at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, when police attempted to pull him over. He led officers on a high-speed chase before crashing into two cars at an intersection, according to a statement from Police Chief Roger Johnson. He then fled the vehicle, Johnson said, ran to a home and entered through the back door.

Fearing for his safety, the resident grabbed a Samurai sword on display in his home, confronted the intruder and ordered him outside, police said. The man then held the suspect at sword-point until police arrived.

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