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Hostages taken at Community First Credit Union in Jacksonville have been freed

Suspect in custody
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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.