For Immediate Release

June 30, 2017

DeFuniak Springs, Fla— One man is in custody following a domestic dispute that lasted nearly 11 hours starting Thursday night.

Deputies responded to 10917 US 331 North around 7:50pm after a gun was fired during an argument.

Howard Edward Johnson, 65, and his grandson got into a verbal disagreement leading to the display of weapons and the discharge of at least one into the air. Shortly after, Johnson locked himself inside the home along with his wife.  The grandson left the area when Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded.

Hostage negotiators attempted to establish communications with Johnson and SWAT was called to the scene. The wife was released from the home at 4:00 am. Johnson surrendered and exited the house at 6:47am.

Johnson was arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail without incident. He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and domestic battery.