Man Accused of False Imprisonment After Children Post ‘Help’ Sign

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee police say a domestic disturbance at the Flora Ridge Condos ended safely on October 26 after officers negotiated with a man accused of preventing children from leaving a residence.

Officers were called to the home after a family member reported that children were inside and had overheard an argument earlier in the day between the suspect, Andre Smithson, and his former partner.

Police said they repeatedly tried to convince Smithson and the others to come outside, but no one initially exited the residence.

Officers eventually made contact with the children, who told them Smithson was not allowing them to leave. According to police, a drone helped officers locate the children, and they spotted a “help” sign displayed in a window. The children were not injured, authorities said.

DON’T MISS: Cold Case Answers: Who killed Shannon Poteet, a young Native American mom, in 1986? – NewsFinale

The incident report states that officers instructed the children to leave when they had a safe opportunity. Police then continued negotiations with Smithson by phone. He ultimately walked out of the home and was taken into custody by a SWAT team.

The children told investigators they heard the woman shout, “Stop” and “Get off of me.” However, police said the woman, Smithson and the children each reported that the confrontation did not become physical. The woman was not hurt.

Smithson was arrested and charged with one count of false imprisonment.