Mormon Bishop Wields Samurai Sword, Scares Off Attacker

A Mormon bishop wielding a Samurai sword helped a neighbor woman scare off an attacker on Tuesday morning.

The neighbor was under attack by a man who was stalking her when Kent Hendrix’s teenage son woke him up. The 47-year-old father sprang into action when his teenage son told him their neighbor was being mugged in front of their house.

The Mormon bishop grabbed the first thing he could find — his 29-inch high carbon steel Samurai sword — and headed out the door. While his son stayed inside and called 911, Hendrix, a marshal arts instructor, approached the man.

He didn’t hesitate to draw the sword and wield it while yelling at the attacker to get on the ground. As the Samurai sword-holding Mormon recalled:

“His eyes got as big as saucers and he kind of gasped and jumped back. He’s probably never had anyone draw a sword on him before.”

The attacker ran down the street with a barefooted Hendrix right behind him. Unfortunately, the bishop was unable to catch the man, who fled in his car. Despite the foiled attempt to capture the criminal, the martial arts instructor picked up the lip balm the suspect dropped and memorized his license plate.

As the attacker sped away, Hendrix yelled, “I’ve got your DNA and I’ve got your license plate: You are so done.” Either the threat or the guilt he felt made the suspect turn himself into police just one hour later. Grant Eggersten, 37, was booked on charges of robbery, attempted burglary, trespassing, and violation of a stalking injunction.

Hendrix stated it was the first time in 30 years of practicing martial arts that he used the sword out of practice. But despite drawing it from its scabbard, he explained he only showed the attacker he had it.

Police Lieutenant Justin Hoyal praised the woman for fighting back. There was no word on what he thought of the Mormon bishop’s Samurai sword-wielding skills.

[Image via ShutterStock]