Retired Army veteran's house demolished in city of Akron due to violations

AKRON, Ohio - Early Tuesday morning, crews leveled a house on Manchester Road in Akron. The owner, Larry Modic of Lakewood, bought the house last year and said he planned to move in.

Modic said it was emotional to see the house demolished.

"It's sad and it's heart wrenching, but it is not going to ruin my life. It was just a stepping stone in my life, that is all it is. There is more to come from this. I will persevere," said Modic.

The house had numerous housing violations dating back to the previous owner. Modic said he was unaware of the violations. The city of Akron told Modic he was responsible for the repairs.

Akron city officials condemned the house at 1480 Manchester Rd. when officials said Modic failed to attend a hearing back in September. The demolition notice came and by Jan. 16, Modic was told he had to vacate the property.

Stephanie York, spokesperson for the city of Akron, said at that point Modic started to make threats to officials and city workers.

"He had the ammunition, the full body armor, the MRE meals to back it up and it was very scary. Even as of Saturday when he took out his belongings, he turned over another loaded gun that was found in the house," said York.

As the crew continued to remove the debris, Modic placed an American flag on the property he still owns and said he plans to rebuild.