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Search underway for man who deputies say broke into Hillsborough County home, took daughter by force

Posted at 10:51 AM, May 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-13 03:12:52-04

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 34-year-old man they say broke into a home and took his daughter by force on Friday night. They believe he could be heading out of state.

Deputies say Tawfik Hart broke into the home on Jackson Springs Road, shoved someone out of the way and took his 8-year-old daughter Janessa Hart. During the alleged burglary, authorities say Hart also had his 10-month-old son Tawfik Jr. with him.

The Sheriff's Office reported Sunday night that the children were been located and are in safe custody.

Hart remains at large. Officials believe he could be heading to Tifton, Georgia, in a 2008 white Cadillac Deville with a red roof and Georgia tag RMV7486.

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Hart is described as a black male, 5'7" tall and weighing 194 pounds.

Anyone with information as to Hart's location is asked to call HCSO using 911 or 813-247-8200 our non-emergency line.

The sheriff's office says Hart faces charges for burglary with battery and interference with child custody.