Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Guy With A Samurai Sword Arrested After Chasing Older Man In Retirement Community

We need to hear from you.
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

A man has been arrested after he scared some retirement community residents with a samurai sword.

Donald Underdale of Seal Beach’s Leisure World retirement community said he was walking his dog around 7:30 p.m. Thursday when he noticed a man on a bicyle he believed to be stealing tools, ABC reports. Underdale said the man then pulled out a samurai sword and began chasing him:

"When I finally said stop, he comes off of that bicycle and just calm as can be, he comes off of that bicycle and pulls that sword out and he comes running after me and he says, 'What are you going to do now?'"

Another resident, Terry Costa, said she saw the man flee on his bike:

Support for LAist comes from
“He couldn't have been too well in his head, because this day, nobody goes with a sword around.”

Seal Beach police arrested the suspect, Jason Chad Johnson, later that evening. Police say Johnson is a transient and will be charged with brandishing a deadly weapon and residential burglary.

Most Read