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Indianapolis woman uses sword to subdue intruder

An alleged burglar in Indianapolis got a sharp surprise when the homeowner faced him down with a Japanese combat sword
Woman defends home from intruder using sword 00:48

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - An home intruder who told police he was hiding from someone got a surprise in the place he chose to lay low: a woman with a large Japanese sword who knew how to use it.

Karen Dolley, 43, told CBS affiliate WTTV in Indianapolis her medieval combat training kicked in when she stumbled across the stranger in the hallway of her home.

Karen Dolley
Karen Dolley WTTV

"I could see the guy standing right about here and I just came out of the bathroom and started punching get out, get out, get out," says Dolley.

After punching him several times, Dolley said she grabbed her large Japanese combat sword.

"It is 440C stainless steel, it has an edge and it will cut," she said.

Using one hand on the blade to hold him at bay on the floor, Dolley said she dialed 911 with her free hand.

Police arrested 30-year-old Jacob Wessel at the scene, WTTV reports.

Officials said Wessel was high on an unknown substance when he broke in, and he apologized after giving himself up without a fight.

"If he would have behaved in a slightly different manner he would not have gotten out of here alive," said Wessel.

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