PORTSMOUTH — An elderly man was holding a samurai sword when police arrived to investigate a report he had threatened to burn down his estranged wife’s home on Sunday, April 21, according to police. 

According to Detective Sgt. Khatu P. Khubchandani, Portsmouth Police officers responded to 182 Armando Drive around 8:15 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report that a 75-year-old man had violated a no-contact order and broke into the residence through a glass window.  

“The victim and a friend arrived home and observed the suspect, Chong Yoon, who is the victim’s estranged husband, to be pouring gasoline on the floor (and) threatening to set the house on fire,” Sgt. Khubchandani said in a prepared statement.

When officers arrived, they found Mr. Yoon holding a samurai sword, police said.

“Officers gave instructions to drop the sword. However, Yoon attempted to run and had to be restrained,” Sgt. Khubchandani said.

Mr. Yoon was charged with fifth-degree domestic arson, domestic breaking and entering, resisting arrest, and violating a protective order. 

He was transported to Newport Hospital by the Portsmouth Fire Department due to injuries sustained before his arrest, police said.  He was arraigned Monday in 2nd District Court.