WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — An Auburndale man was arrested after police say he attempted to murder his son following an argument.
According to police, 52-year-old Danny Hawthorne was arrested on Wednesday after he pointed a handgun at his son, 33-year-old Artavious Hanford and fired one time.
The shot missed Hanford and nobody was injured. Hanford immediately got into his vehicle and left the area to contact law enforcement.
The argument stemmed from Hawthorne being upset with his son after being left at a business without a ride the previous day. Hawthorne had to walk home.
On Wednesday, Hanford went to the residence where his child lives with her mother. Hawthorne was there sitting on the porch with a friend who also lives at that same residence. When Hanford got out of his vehicle and approached the porch, the two began to argue.
Hanford left the porch and started walking to his car when he looked back towards the porch and saw Hawthorne bending down beside the porch. Hawthorne stood back up with a black gun in his hand and pointed it at his son stating, "I'm going to make you disappear!"
Police say Hawthorne then fired the gun one time missing Hanford.
Hanford quickly got into his vehicle and left the property and called the police.
When officers arrived, a witness told them that they spotted Hawthorne walk over to the property of the Abundant Believer's Church and officers surrounded the building. Commands were given for Hawthorne to exit the church, however, he never responded, so a K-9 team entered the
building ultimately locating Hawthorne and taking him into custody.
Hawthorne was booked into the Polk County Jail on one count each of Attempted Felony Murder and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
