Tragic Ending in Florida as Father Holds Kids Hostage in 16-Hour Standoff

A Florida Man held 2 children hostage before dying after a 16-hour standoff with the police. The incident occurred in Venice following a domestic violence call at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday. Sonny Ray Holland Sr. was found in the mobile home with the 3- and 4-year-old children. Police attempted to negotiate with Holland rather than forcibly entering the home. The Polk County SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were involved in the standoff. The children were safely released, but Holland refused to exit. Gas canisters were introduced to force Holland out, resulting in a gunshot and the house catching fire. Holland emerged from the home and fired shots at the SWAT team before returning inside the burning house. He died, and the exact cause of death will be determined through an autopsy. The children were unharmed and taken to a local hospital. Sheriff Paul Blackman commended the deputies and thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. An investigation into the incident has been launched.