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75-Year-Old Impersonates Officer in Bizarre, Failed Home Invasion
Ronald Snyder, 75, tried to rob a home in Hidden Hills, where he used to live. (Photo courtesy of LASD)
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A down-on-his-luck 75-year-old attempted to rob a home in Hidden Hills by impersonating a police officer but was told there was nothing there to steal.Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at approximately 9:40 a.m., sheriff's deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station responded to a possible "burglary in progress" call in the 24600 block of Long Valley Road in Hidden Hills, which is a gated community.
They arrived to find a woman crying and a man who was attempting to push her inside the house. The man then tried to draw the handgun he had in his waistband and was promptly "brought under control" and arrested.
The suspect was identified as Ronald Snyder, who's also been linked to another burglary in Hidden Hills. His arrest photo shows him wearing an ill-fitting black wig that was apparently part of his disguise.
The woman told police Snyder had come to her door and identified himself as a member of the Sheriff's Department. He forced his way into her house, pointed a gun at her head and said he was there to rob her. She convinced Snyder there was nothing of value inside the house. Fortunately, her son heard her scream and dialed 911.
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During a search of the suspect's car, deputies discovered false law enforcement identification, handcuffs, a wig, gloves, rope, and two handguns, including one with a silencer. They recovered additional evidence and numerous firearms after searching his business and home in Chatsworth.
Investigators believe he was able to gain access to the gated community because, until recently, he owned a home there. He'd apparently turned to robbery because of a recent significant financial downturn.
Snyder was arraigned on July 16, 2013, for a number of elonies, including robbery, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and impersonating a peace officer.
He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
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