An Oakwood man is free on bond following his arrest Tuesday evening after a dispute with a contractor over a newly installed heating and air conditioning system. He is charged with false imprisonment and theft.
About 8:00, sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in the 5000 block of Southwinds Way. They spoke with several people at the residence, including the homeowner, contractor and a witness.
“According to preliminary details, the contractor and two of his employees had installed new HVAC equipment in the home and completed the job Tuesday evening,” sheriff’s office spokesman Derreck Booth wrote in an email Thursday. “The homeowner, Armand Long, 57, initially told the contractor he would pay cash for the work and new system. Upon completion, Long told the contractor he couldn’t pay until Wednesday. Long refused to cooperate with alternative payment options provided by the contractor or return of the new HVAC equipment. The total bill was roughly $7,600.
“During a discussion about payment in Long’s basement, Long locked the basement door while he and the contractor were the only two people inside. When the contractor moved to unlock the door and leave, Long ran to the door, standing between the door and contractor.”
Deputies arrested Long following their investigation. He posted $11,600 bond and was released from jail on Wednesday evening.