JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a gunman threatened some of the 11 people held hostage at a Jacksonville, Florida, credit union before they were rescued by SWAT team members.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says that after the suspect on Thursday put his gun to the back of the head of one hostage, SWAT team members had resolved to storm the bank at the first opportunity.
Williams says that moment came when two people who had been hiding inside the bank unbeknown to the suspect made a run for it, distracting the gunman. SWAT team members then rushed into the Community First Credit Union and put themselves between the suspect and hostages, according to the sheriff.
Williams says the suspect is in custody.
Glad we could help. 11 lives saved today. We are proud. We were ready and we are well trained. Thank you. ????? https://t.co/RTSDn4VUkv
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
Community First Credit Union - Nobody was shot. Reports of people shot are inaccurate and untrue. #JAX #Jacksonville
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
Community First Credit Union - Bank robbery suspect/hostage taker is in police custody. #JAX #Jacksonville
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
Community First Credit Union - We have 11 hostages out. #JAX #Jacksonville
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
LIVE on #Periscope: Bank robbery with hostages https://t.co/38vjosmp7p
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
Community First Credit Union - #JSO SWAT and Hostage Negotiators are on scene. #JAX #Jacksonville
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016
Headlines from JSO: one suspect, hostages inside, not stating if they've made contact with person inside bank pic.twitter.com/OLw3F6jhlw
— Clark Fouraker (@clarkfouraker) December 1, 2016
BREAKING: Hostage situation at Community First Bank on Edgewood Ave. W. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/auYTcIqPWG
— Matthew Head (@matt8272) December 1, 2016