JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Updated at 10:41 a.m.:
A bank robbery suspect who took hostages Thursday morning inside a Jacksonville, Florida, credit union is in custody, and the hostages have been released safely, according to police.
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News4Jax crews at the scene watched as the 11 hostages inside the bank were escorted out by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office SWAT officers about 11 a.m. Thursday.
A woman who said her sister was working inside the bank said she watched, relieved, as her sister was escorted across the street by police. The woman said she hadn't been able to speak to her sister yet, but that she looked OK.
“It's sad," the woman said. "You have to grab your family and let them know you love them, because you never know.”
Original story:
An unknown number of hostages are being held inside the Community First Credit Union on Edgewood Avenue West, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
About 9:45 a.m., police confirmed a robber was contained inside the credit union and there were an unknown number of people inside. The SWAT team and hostage negotiators are on scene. It was unknown if anyone was hurt.
"The suspect who tried to rob the bank is contained inside the bank," Melissa Bujeda with JSO said. "We know multiple people are inside the bank but we haven't been able to verify if someone has been shot."
Edgewood Avenue West near Lem Turner Road and other area roads are blocked.
"Some of the immediate area has been evacuated, including nearby businesses," Bujeda said. "We're asking for everyone's cooperation at this time. We want this to be a safe resolution for everybody and we are doing our darnest to make that happen."
Officers are asking everyone to stay away from the bank. Do not take any photos or videos of SWAT positions as it could pose a danger.
KSAT 12's sister station News4Jax has a crew at the scene and more information on the way. For the latest information, click here.