Florida man accused of holding family hostage for months Man, 4 children held inside Polk County home
DAVENPORT, Fla. – A Polk County man is facing serious charges after investigators say he held a family hostage for the past three months.
According to the Lakeland Ledger, investigators said Larry Howard, 29, held a man and his four nieces and nephews inside a Davenport home.
The children range in age from 5 to 13 years old.
Deputies said the adult victim told them Howard is a friend of a distant relative. The man says Howard, along with friends, would watch the family 24 hours a day and threatened them with guns and swords.
The family eventually escaped the home while Howard was in another room.
Howard is currently being held in the Polk County jail on several charges.
Copyright 2016 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
About the Author Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.
Central Florida business replaces Apopka family’s roof after another company disappears with insurance check ▶ 0:35
Central Florida business replaces Apopka family’s roof after another company disappears with insurance check
Family says misunderstanding at Universal’s Epic Universe led to removal from park, shoplifting accusation ▶ 0:45
Family says misunderstanding at Universal’s Epic Universe led to removal from park, shoplifting accusation
Volusia County leader pushes for domestic violence offender registry ▶ 0:52
Volusia County leader pushes for domestic violence offender registry
JCPenney sold at Seminole Towne Center as Georgia-based group seeks new life for aging mall ▶ 1:10
JCPenney sold at Seminole Towne Center as Georgia-based group seeks new life for aging mall
‘Potential use’ plans unveiled for 7 Orange County schools up for closure ▶ 0:44
‘Potential use’ plans unveiled for 7 Orange County schools up for closure
New Smyrna Beach sees major relief with sand replenishment project ▶ 0:59
New Smyrna Beach sees major relief with sand replenishment project
Hundreds of dead fish found in drained pond near Seminole County construction site ▶ 0:54
Hundreds of dead fish found in drained pond near Seminole County construction site
Lightning capital of US no longer in Florida. Here’s the new top city ▶ 1:05
Lightning capital of US no longer in Florida. Here’s the new top city
Kissimmee weighs renewal of Freebee downtown ride contract ▶ 0:55
Kissimmee weighs renewal of Freebee downtown ride contract
Cape Canaveral council pleads with Brevard County not to close city’s only school ▶ 0:59
Cape Canaveral council pleads with Brevard County not to close city’s only school
The Orlando Home and Garden Show, going on now through 1/11 ▶ 0:55
The Orlando Home and Garden Show, going on now through 1/11
Ocala community mourns 64-year-old fatally shot in front yard ▶ 0:57
Ocala community mourns 64-year-old fatally shot in front yard
Pile driving to cause noise, vibrations along State Road 417 in Oviedo. Here’s when ▶ 0:50
Pile driving to cause noise, vibrations along State Road 417 in Oviedo. Here’s when
Floridians split as some protest, others celebrate Maduro’s capture ▶ 1:20
Floridians split as some protest, others celebrate Maduro’s capture
Does Florida’s lone sports betting app have a competitor? It’s complicated ▶ 0:37
Does Florida’s lone sports betting app have a competitor? It’s complicated
Busy days ahead at Orlando International Airport as holiday travel wraps up ▶ 1:09
Busy days ahead at Orlando International Airport as holiday travel wraps up
Meet Clayton Royal Johnson, known for playing Andy in Seasons 4 and 5 of Stranger Things ▶ 1:31
Meet Clayton Royal Johnson, known for playing Andy in Seasons 4 and 5 of Stranger Things
Missing child found with ‘pervert’ during chaotic traffic stop in Flagler County, sheriff says ▶ 0:50
Missing child found with ‘pervert’ during chaotic traffic stop in Flagler County, sheriff says
Man flees over 100 mph after being pursued for armed robberies in Marion County ▶ 0:31
Man flees over 100 mph after being pursued for armed robberies in Marion County
Officials probe cause of 11 bird deaths at Orlando’s Lake Eola ▶ 0:54
Officials probe cause of 11 bird deaths at Orlando’s Lake Eola
Heroic neighbors help save man from house fire ▶ 0:59
Heroic neighbors help save man from house fire
What's going on with downtown Orlando? ▶ 0:18
What's going on with downtown Orlando?
13-year-old girl killed in Christmas day shooting ▶ 0:47
13-year-old girl killed in Christmas day shooting
Volusia Sheriff's Office rescues boy from pond ▶ 0:51
Volusia Sheriff's Office rescues boy from pond
Police and fishermen help rescue stranded French bulldog ▶ 0:47
Police and fishermen help rescue stranded French bulldog
Previous photo Next photo 