ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A hostage situation at a Hungry Howie’s in Altamonte Springs was resolved during the overnight.

What You Need To Know

  • The hostage was not injured

  • Neal Pittard, 49, is facing several charges

It all started at Hungry Howie’s on State Road 434 on Monday at around 5:20 p.m.

The Altamonte Springs Police Department told Spectrum News 13 that a man's wife called authorities, stating her husband was making suicidal threats and was at the Hungry Howie’s.

Witnesses say the man, who authorities identified as 49-year-old Neal Pittard, had what appeared to be a firearm and made several threats to employees before taking a number of employees hostage.

Eventually, he let two of the employees go, but kept one, according to police.

At around 1 a.m., the SWAT team used loud bangs and smoke to help get inside and confront the suspect.

It appeared a stretcher was used to bring out Pittard. It is not known what type of injuries Pittard may have sustained.

The employee was not hurt in the hours-long standoff between Pittard and authorities.

The employee was even seen staying after, helping staff clean up and close the shop to prepare for business the next day.

According to a press release by the Altamonte Springs Police Department, Pittard faces several charges:

  • False imprisonment
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
  • battery