In a recent incident in Florida, a father was apprehended by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department for allegedly threatening an Uber driver with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.
The driver had just dropped off the man's 13-year-old daughter at their home.
The father, identified as 54-year-old Sean Hollonbeck, was subsequently charged with aggravated assault and kidnapping in connection with the incident, as per the police report.
The incident unfolded on the night of May 4, when an Uber driver arrived at Hollonbeck's Garcon Point residence to drop off his daughter, as reported by Fox 35 Orlando. The report states that Hollonbeck emerged from his house, AR-15 in hand, while his daughter was still in the vehicle.
According to the police report, Hollonbeck allegedly forced the Uber driver out of his vehicle and commanded him to lie on the ground. His daughter described her father's behavior as "acting crazy," as he brandished his rifle and yelled.
The report further alleges that Hollonbeck pointed his rifle at the driver's face, ordering him to abandon his vehicle, while his daughter fled into the house. It was also noted that the daughter had friends over at the time, who witnessed the incident and later provided statements to the deputies.
Hollonbeck reportedly demanded the driver's license, photographed the identification, and then permitted him to leave the premises.
Upon the arrival of the police for questioning, Hollonbeck confessed to his fear for his daughter's safety, stating that he was unaware of her whereabouts or that she had left without his permission. He was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Santa Rosa County jail, from where he later posted bond, as per jail records.
Hollonbeck, a retired US Army colonel, operates a nonprofit organization named "The War Horse Project," which provides therapy horses to individuals, primarily veterans, suffering from trauma, according to WEAR in Florida.
In a conversation with the broadcaster, Hollonbeck revealed that he might have to liquidate some of his assets to fund his legal defense. He also disclosed that he was terminated from his job on Tuesday.
Hollonbeck explained that his daughter had sneaked out and taken an Uber to Pensacola, Florida, leaving him anxious at home. He expressed his concerns about the unmarked vehicle and the prevalent issues of fentanyl abuse, child trafficking, and rape in the country.
Hollonbeck stated that he had contacted law enforcement for assistance after discovering his daughter's absence and argued that his actions were justified under his "parental rights."
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson reportedly advised Hollonbeck that he was being "overprotective" and urged him to gather all the facts before brandishing a weapon in the future. Johnson acknowledged the concern of a young girl being out late at night but emphasized the importance of gathering all the facts before taking action.
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