Nassau Man Holds 2 People Hostage In Home: Police

HICKSVILLE, NY — A man was arrested after holding a couple of people as hostages over the weekend in Hicksville, Nassau police said.

John Howell, 40, was taken into custody just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.

A 44-year-old male victim was able to escape and call police.

Howell is accused of physically assaulting the male victim and the 56-year-old female victim, police said.

Howell barricaded himself in the home and refused to allow officers inside, police said.

The Nassau County Police Hostage Negotiation team spoke with the woman and eventually assisted her in escaping. She did not seek medical attention, authorities said.

The male victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The Bureau of Special Operations entered the home and captured Howell, who was hiding in the attic. He was placed under arrest without any further incident, police said.

Howell was brought to a local hospital for evaluation. He is charged with two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of second-degree menacing and first-degree unlawful imprisonment.

He was expected to be arraigned on Sunday.