Akron announced Thursday that it will not return weapons confiscated from the now demolished home of veteran Larry Modic unless a court orders it to do so.
Modic, who had made threats to kill anyone who tried to demolish his home, responded with an expletive when asked about the city’s position.
Akron police officers took Modic, 57, to a mental health facility for treatment in mid-January after the threats were made over the imminent demolition of the home. The city says Modic gave permission to workers to search his home.
During the search, police found three loaded rifles, a loaded shot gun and a loaded handgun along with ammunition, body armor and military Meals Ready to Eat (MRE). After the search, the city said, Modic told city officials that there was yet another handgun at his house, which was later confiscated.
Modic said he asked city officials this week to return his weapons by Friday.
City Chief Prosecutor Gertrude Wilms said in a news release that the weapons would not be returned to Modic because the city believes he still might be a threat to himself or others.
The home on Manchester Road, which the city’s Housing Appeals Board condemned in September, was torn down in February after a brief legal fight.
Modic said he would speak to his attorney about going to court to get his weapons.
The community has since helped Modic, who is still in a legal battle over the demolition, secure another home in Akron.