Man charged in kidnapping of Akron 5-year-old

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - The 31-year-old man accused of kidnapping his son is formally facing charges in the Akron Municipal Court.

According to Akron Municipal Court records, Sean Eckel faces three charges following the abduction, which triggered an AMBER Alert late Sunday evening:

• Kidnapping, a first-degree felony
• Abduction, a third-degree felony
• Domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony

The judge Monday morning set Eckel’s bond at $125,000.

Akron Police Cpt. Michael Miller says the incident occurred during a routine visit with the 5-year-old’s mother around 4 p.m. Sunday.

Miller says Eckel reportedly threw punches toward the child’s mother after the visit, grabbed the child from the car and hid in a nearby laundry room.

Miller says officers received information that Eckel had a handgun with him and nearby residents reported hearing a gunshot.

Police found Eckel and the child at a home in the 1300 block of Sylvan Avenue.

Eckel released the child unharmed at 11:20 p.m. following a SWAT standoff, APD says.

SWAT returned to the address around 11:45 p.m. when Eckel barricaded himself in the home.

Miller confirmed SWAT used chemical irritants after repeated commands to voluntarily surrender.

Officers entered the apartment and found Eckel hiding under a pile of laundry, Miller says, confirming Eckel was arrested shortly after 1 a.m. Monday.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.