Man allegedly harassed Jacksonville laundromat customer night before taking 13 hostages at bank

One day before Nicholas Humphrey was accused of holding hostages at gunpoint, police were called out to an Arlington laundromat by customers who claimed he was harassing them.

The manager of the Merrill Road laundromat said Humphrey would frequent the laundromat and mostly kept to himself.

But on Wednesday, the day before the incident at Community First Credit Union, cameras caught him sitting outside for hours, then speaking to customers before a woman called police on him.

The police report confirms at least one customer felt so harassed by him that she called police.

Humphrey was not arrested but police waited at the business until he left. The police report said that Humphrey claimed he was not harassing anyone instead he “was warning them about bringing their children into the business late at night.”

Friday morning, Humprhey went before a judge for the first time since police said he held up a Community First Credit Union, taking 13 hostages.

His father Andre Combs spoke outside the courtroom.

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“Right now we just do due process with the judicial system, but I think that he needs to be evaluated for mental issues,” said Combs.

Police still haven’t released a possible motive. Combs said he was shocked but admits he ignored some warning signs.

“I think the last couple of days he's been to me not as sane. Not a sane type of disposition. Been rambling, mumbling, talking to himself. Something unusual. In the last 24 hours I overlooked it. Thought he was drinking or something,” said Combs.

Combs said he’s thankful no one was hurt.

Humphrey is due back in court on Dec. 22.

Cox Media Group