Michael Snyder, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, held off an intruder Oct. 18, giving credit to his combat experience to keep him cool under pressure. The incident took place in Paradise Township, in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

Vietnam War Vet Michael Snyder Holds Off Intruder

Snyder sat in his living room chair when he saw a man outside, reported wnep.com. State Police later described the suspect as under the influence of drugs. Snyder decided to go outside and talk to the man, who immediately acted erratically.

“He didn’t make a lot of sense. He said, ‘Would you please call the police? Please call the police. They’re going to kill me.’ So I said ‘OK,’” Synder told wnep.com.

“I called the state police, called 911, and I’m talking to them,” Snyder continued. “I’m in the garage, and I hear this crash in the house.”

That’s when the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Bronx, New York-native Kwesi Skerritt, crashed through a window of the home, reported wnep.com. That’s also when the Vietnam vet reverted to his training.

“I had the pistol cocked and ready, and he was standing there in the kitchen,” Snyder told wnep.com.

Snyder then held Skerritt at gunpoint for 10 minutes, until police arrived on the scene, reported wnep.com. He credits his time in war for enabling him to stay composed under pressure.

“When I come under fire, how will I react? Will it scare me to death? Will I be able to react? But yes, experience helps… I was so happy yesterday I didn’t have to pull the trigger. I do not want to do that,” Snyder told wnep.com.

In the end, Snyder stayed cool, and he held his gun on the suspect until police arrived. Now Skerritt faces charges of criminal trespass, simple assault and criminal mischief, according to wnep.com.

Source: https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2020/10/vietnam-vet-michael-snyder-home-defense/