Woman Outwits Sword-Wielding Burglar

AP via Newsday ^ | December 15, 2006, 5:48 PM EST | ?

[james500]

A woman outsmarted an apparently drug-addled burglar who threatened her with a sword, authorities said. Robin Ricketts, 52, said she awoke early Thursday when she heard strange noises coming from her home office.

Downstairs, she found a man with an 18-inch sword getting ready to make off with her computer and other electronics, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

The man, identified as Timothy Clinch, 31, allegedly then held the sword to Ricketts' throat, forcing her into a chair.

The burglar told Ricketts that he had tied up her husband. But Ricketts said she knew her husband was sleeping upstairs, along with their two children.

"He was completely delusional," Ricketts said.

When the intruder ran outside, apparently in pursuit of Rickett's husband, whom he believed had escaped, Ricketts locked the door behind him.

[james500]

Good for her. It does seem like the children could have outsmarted him. I'm not even sure which side I'd bet on between the burglar and the sleeping husband.

[Spok]

My gun cabinet also contains a replica Civil War saber. If I had sword wielding burglar, it might be kind of interesting...

[operation clinton cleanup]

Downstairs, she found a man with an 18-inch sword

Not that is any less dangerous, but I always pictured a sword much longer than 18".

[domenad]

Downstairs, she found a man with an 18-inch sword getting ready to make off with her computer and other electronics, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

She should have just made fun of his...ahem...little sword.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

When the intruder ran outside, apparently in pursuit of Rickett's husband, whom he believed had escaped, Ricketts locked the door behind him.

Man, you sure don't find "wit" like that any more. Burglar leaves... non-burglar person locks the door once burglar is gone. I've got to write this one down so I don't mess it up if it happens to me.

[Professional Engineer]

man with an 18-inch sword knife

This is a sword.

[DemforBush]

I wonder if it was this guy?

[lowbridge]

Never bring a sword to a fight with an intelligent woman. In fact, just dont show up even if you've got enough artillery to take over a whole country.

[james500]

It requires many years of training, Grasshopper.

[fat city]

Uh, isn't a "burgler" with a sword a "pirate"?

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

Are all of your lamp shades that nice? :)

[brazzaville]

Good evening.
"...I always pictured a sword much longer than 18".

The Roman gladius wasn't very long but it ruined many a barbarian's day.

I like the Roman tactic of having you protect yourself with your shield while you stab the guy in front of your buddy and your buddy did the same to the guy in front of his buddy and on down the line.

This was a smart lady and dumb crook which means a happy ending.

Michael Frazier

[B4Ranch]

What are you holding in your other hand? A gun?

[incredulous joe]

Careful now, I believe to the liberal press he is a "privateer" until otherwise convicted.

It's the same theory as identifying "terrorists" as "insurgents" and "illegal immigrants" as "undocumented workers".

What's a word worth to a lib.

[barker]

e should have just made fun of his...ahem...little sword.

[Eclectica]

Are all of your lamp shades that nice? :)

Not in the presence of a swordsman!

:^)

[HKMk23]

HERE IT COMES: "The Assault Blade Ban"

[fat city]

Hehe- Well, I didn't mean that a "pirate" is a diminutive form of "burgler"- I sure don't want all those FR buccaneers flaming me.

[incredulous joe]

Aaarrrrrrr!!