By Becky Bratu, Staff Writer, NBC News
An armed robber exchanged fire with cops and took three people hostage inside a CVS store early Friday, police said.
The gunman fired "several shots" at officers responding to reports of a hold-up at an outlet in Belmont, N.C., around 1:45 a.m. ET.
Police returned fire before becoming aware of hostages inside the shop.
The officers then called for backup, including the Gastonia Police Department Regional SWAT team.
The surrounding area was sealed off as police negotiated with the gunman.
The last of three adult hostages were released at 4:07 a.m. ET, according to police. However, the gunman remained inside the shop as at 5:38 a.m. ET.
No injuries were reported.
Belmont is about 15 miles west of Charlotte.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This story was originally published on Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:56 AM EDT
An armed robber exchanged fire with cops and took three people hostage inside a CVS store early Friday, police said.
The gunman fired "several shots" at officers responding to reports of a hold-up at an outlet in Belmont, N.C., around 1:45 a.m. ET.
Police returned fire before becoming aware of hostages inside the shop.
The officers then called for backup, including the Gastonia Police Department Regional SWAT team.
The surrounding area was sealed off as police negotiated with the gunman.
The last of three adult hostages were released at 4:07 a.m. ET, according to police. However, the gunman remained inside the shop as at 5:38 a.m. ET.
No injuries were reported.
Belmont is about 15 miles west of Charlotte.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This story was originally published on Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:56 AM EDT