Akron Army veteran in housing dispute writes threatening emails; police find loaded guns in house

AKRON, Ohio - An Army veteran, who made violent threats if anyone tried to demolish his condemned Akron house, remained in a mental health facility for evaluation on Friday, police said.

Officers searched the house at 1480 Manchester Rd. on Wednesday and found several loaded weapons. In a report, an officer wrote it appeared the man "was readying himself to defend his property with force."

Police said the owner, Lawrence "Larry" Modic, 57, gave consent for the search and officers took three loaded rifles (two with scopes), a loaded handgun, extra ammunition and a Flak jacket.

Modic was taken into custody and "pink-slipped" for mental health treatment. He was not charged with any crime.

"When you say you're going to shoot people and take people out, or do what is necessary to do, then as a police department, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our community," Lt. Rick Edwards said.

In September, the city ruled the house that Modic purchased near Summit Lake in May 2012 would be demolished because the property is an eyesore and multiple housing violations have not been corrected.

In the months that followed, Modic fired off several emails that appeared to threatening in nature.

Last December, Modic sent an email to state Rep. Vernon Sykes and wrote of returning to the house, armed and prepared to defend the house.

"Yes, I am willing to take someone's life to do just that, protect what's mine," Modic wrote.

John York, Akron's assistant law director, sent an email to Modic, telling him to be out of the house with his property by Jan. 16.

On January 14, Modic responded, "You will learn that this mistake you made will be costly! I promise you that if this continues."

Modic has been locked in a battle with the city's housing department for several months. He purchased the house for $10,000.

York said many of the violations date back to the previous owner. The city first found problems to the exterior of the home in 2003. A full inspection in August 2012 noted that remaining and additional violations needed to be repaired.

York said Modic was aware of the orders.

"He became aware of those orders when he was notified to come to the housing appeals board and he appeared on two different occasions, so we fully believe he knew once he appeared before the board that there were problems at that house," York said.

After Modic failed to appear for a Sept. 18 meeting, the board ordered the property demolished.

On Thursday, the city boarded up the house. It will be torn down within three weeks, York said.