Crime
Armed man holding a woman hostage at Heritage Park Inn Kissimmee
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A tense situation unfolded Monday afternoon at the Heritage Park Inn in Kissimmee, Florida, where law enforcement officials responded to a hostage standoff involving an armed man and a woman being held against her will inside a hotel room.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), deputies were called to the motel, located on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, just before noon following reports of a domestic disturbance that quickly escalated into a hostage situation.
Preliminary details indicate that two men—identified as brothers—were involved in a physical altercation inside one of the rooms at the Heritage Park Inn.
During the confrontation, one of the brothers reportedly threatened the other.
After the victim managed to escape, the suspect barricaded himself inside the room and took a female hostage, authorities said.
The suspect informed deputies that he was armed, prompting a large law enforcement response, including SWAT units and crisis negotiators, who immediately arrived on scene to establish communication with the man in an effort to de-escalate the situation safely.
“Hostage negotiators from OCSO have been in contact with the suspect, who has stated that he possesses a weapon,” the Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement.
As of the latest update, the area surrounding the motel has been secured, with deputies urging the public to avoid the vicinity while negotiations remain active. Emergency personnel, including Osceola County Fire Rescue, are also on standby as a precaution.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved, and there is no confirmation of injuries at this time.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office continues to treat the matter as an active and evolving domestic-related hostage situation, emphasizing that the primary goal is to ensure the safety of the hostage and achieve a peaceful resolution.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.