An elderly Florida couple was held hostage by their neighbor who asked to borrow a cup of salt on Friday, authorities said.

Louis and Irene Rosen, of Tamarac, invited their neighbor’s son, Leonard Benitez, inside to give him salt. But, Benitez then threatened the couple with a knife and gun, a Broward Sheriff’s spokeswoman told WPLG.

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Benitez, 45, reportedly demanded $50,000 and the couple’s banking information before hitting 99-year-old Louis Rosen in the head with the gun, according to WPLG.

Irene called 911 and escaped, but her husband was held hostage for two hours, WPLG reported.

Benitez eventually surrendered and was charged with home invasion, battery, false imprisonment of an adult and kidnapping. He’s being held without bond.

Read more at WPLG.



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