American Woman, 87, Fights Off Hungry Home Intruder, Offers Snacks To Distract Him

• An 87-year-old woman in Maine thwarted a terrifying home invasion by a teenager and managed to distract him with snacks while she called the police
• Marjorie Perkins had been peacefully asleep in her home when she was awakened last Wednesday to a horrifying sight
• Remarkably, the teenager was someone she recognised from the neighbourhood who had previously mowed her lawn when he was younger

In a chilling incident that unfolded in the quiet Bay Bridge Estates neighbourhood of Maine, an 87-year-old woman demonstrated remarkable resilience and quick thinking as she fought off a teenage home intruder.

Teen intrudes woman's house

Living alone on Beverly Drive, Marjorie Perkins managed to fend off the assailant and employed an unexpected tactic to distract him and summon help.

The harrowing event occurred around 2 am last Wednesday when Perkins woke up to find a 17-year-old standing menacingly over her bed.

Shockingly, the teenager was someone she recognized from her community – a former neighbour who used to mow her lawn during his younger years.

In a heroic response, Perkins sprung into action, thinking on her feet to protect herself.

"He said, ‘I’m going to cut you,'" she recounted, her voice unwavering.

Swiftly and instinctively, she equipped herself with a pair of shoes and grabbed a chair to create a barrier between herself and the intruder, shielding herself from his attacks.

Intruder grows fatigued

While her desperate cries for help went unanswered due to the soundproof nature of the neighbourhood's well-built homes, Perkins refused to yield.

Despite sustaining a few punches, her unwavering determination enabled her to repel the assailant's advances.

Her actions during those moments of terror highlighted the power of inner strength and quick reflexes in the face of danger.

As the teenager grew fatigued from his assault, he retreated to the kitchen. It was then that Perkins astutely recognized an opportunity to de-escalate the situation.

Surprisingly, she discovered that the intruder had shed his pants and shoes in order to gain entry through a gap where an air conditioning unit had once been.

Woman learns intruder is hungry

Capitalizing on the bizarre turn of events, Perkins decided to employ a diversionary tactic that showcased her remarkable compassion.

She engaged the young intruder in conversation and learned that he was hungry and had gone without food for a while.

Demonstrating astonishing empathy, she offered him a box of peanut butter and honey crackers, two tangerines, and Ensure protein shake containers.

In an astonishing twist, the teenager accepted her offerings and began to consume the snacks.

This unexpected act of goodwill managed to momentarily quell the tension and gave Perkins the crucial window she needed to contact the authorities.

Woman calls 911

Employing a rotary phone, she dialled 9-1-1, alerting the police to the unfolding situation.

When the teen finished his impromptu meal, he fled the scene. Fortunately, local law enforcement swiftly apprehended him a short distance away.

The intruder was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary, criminal threatening, and assault.

His attempt to invade the home of an elderly woman had been thwarted by her remarkable wit and bravery.

Marjorie Perkins' ordeal underscores the incredible capacity of individuals to overcome adversity, even in their most vulnerable moments.

Man hailed hero for abetting bank robbery

In another story, the courageous actions of a Good Samaritan thwarted a heart-stopping bank robbery in California.

Michael Armus Sr., who was at Bank of the West to deposit a cheque, found himself in an unusual situation.

According to ABC News, a man entered the bank, his face concealed by a shirt, and handed a note to a teller, threatening explosives and demanding money.

Fortunately, Armus recognised the suspect as a former neighbour and decided to take action by engaging him in conversation.