Robbery suspect stabbed with samurai sword during Norristown home invasion

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- A robbery suspect was hospitalized Tuesday morning after being stabbed with a samurai sword during a home invasion in Norristown, Montgomery County.

Police say the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Marcus Armstrong, attempted to rob a man at gunpoint outside a home on Blackberry Alley around 8:45 a.m. A female victim managed to escape inside the residence, where Armstrong allegedly forced his way in and encountered her roommate, who was armed with a samurai sword.

"The roommate defended himself. He had the samurai sword and took a swipe at the suspect," said Det. Josh Samuels of the Norristown Police Department. "It was a pretty chaotic scene this morning, I would say for sure."

Armstrong fled the scene and was later found bleeding heavily on Cherry Street, where neighbors witnessed police taking him into custody.

"When I came out here, he was just laying on the ground. The cops were dragging him," said one witness.

Police said the trail of blood helped them piece together the events of the morning. Investigators determined the incident was a random crime of opportunity, noting that Armstrong targeted the victims after seeing them exchange money outside.

"It's just a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, and if you feel something's off, it probably is," Det. Stephen Sowell said.

"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," Sowell added.

Another neighbor expressed concern for Armstrong's condition. "I was just worried, trying to get him some help. It was upsetting," the person said.

Police confirmed that Armstrong's weapon was a fake gun. He now faces burglary and robbery charges.

All victims involved are reported to be unharmed.

Armstrong remains hospitalized as the investigation continues.