Ronald Snyder was arrested on Sunday for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer and forcing his way into a home with a gun. Police say Snyder had lived in the community so that's how he was able to get access past the security gate.
"He impersonated actually a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He had a fake I.D. that he had made. It was a badge and an identification card. He wore a ball cap that had a California Highway Patrol emblem on it and he was also wearing a wig," said Lt. David Thompson with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Detectives say once the victim answered the door, the suspect pushed his way in with a gun.
"He identified himself as a police officer and stated he needed to ask some questions," said Thompson. "He then pushed open the door and put a handgun to the victim's head."
Investigators say the suspect forced the victim around her home, looking for things he could steal. They say the woman's son heard his mother scream and dialed 911. When deputies arrived, they saw the victim in the doorway along with the suspect.
"Deputies were able to quickly rush towards him as he attempted to draw a handgun in his waistband and they were able to subdue him," said Thompson.
Detectives say upon searching the suspect's getaway car, they found numerous other weapons.
"We found on his person, he had gloves, which he did put on to search the house. He also had a mask. He had a knife. He had a cane that was actually a stun gun in his vehicle. He had two weapons with silencers," said Thompson. "We did search warrants on his residence and business. We found evidence that connects him to definitely one prior burglary and probably two."
According to investigators, it appears the 75-year-old suspect engaged in the criminal activity after falling on hard times in his business. They say the suspect's family is heartbroken.
"His family had no idea, completely shocked. This is obviously devastating to them," said Thompson.
The suspect faces 14 felony charges, including burglary and impersonating an officer.
