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Police respond to possible hostage situation at McDonald's branch in Florida Police respond to possible hostage situation at McDonald's branch in Florida
(35 minutes later)
Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to a possible hostage situation at a McDonald's in Lakeland, Florida.Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to a possible hostage situation at a McDonald's in Lakeland, Florida.
It’s been reported the situation developed after suspects ran into the fast food restaurant following a suspected armed carjacking. It’s been reported the situation developed after suspects ran into the fast food restaurant following an alleged armed carjacking.
The carjacking happened at 1608 Ladora Drive in Brandon, Hillsborough just before 7:30 a.m. The carjacking reportedly happened at 1608 Ladora Drive in Brandon, Hillsborough just before 7:30 a.m.
A suspect fled from deputies eastbound into Polk County. He stopped at the McDonalds on the South Frontage road and ran inside, the Sheriff's Office said, according to The Tampa Bay Times. A suspect, or suspects, fled from deputies eastbound into Polk County. They stopped at the McDonalds on the South Frontage road and ran inside, the Sheriff's Office said, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
Although some people reportedly fled the McDonald's in Lakeland, Polk County, when the suspects entered, some employees are said to be still inside the premises. Although some people reportedly fled the McDonald's in Lakeland, Polk County, when the suspects entered, some people are said to be still inside the premises.
A press conference is due to take place shortly. However, it is not clear if these people are hostages or are suspects.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's office are leading the investigation with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. No employees are believed to have been injured in the incident.
Traffic is congested and all ramps to the County Line road have been closed by Florida Highway Patrol, according to Bay News 9. The sheriff's office are leading the investigation with assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
Speaking to media close to the scene, the sheriff’s office said three suspects are believed to be involved in the incident and are understood to be armed with guns. However, only two are thought to be still inside the restaurant.
The sheriff's office also said they've been in contact with a person who claims to be a hostage, but have not yet confirmed if this person is actually a hostage or one of the suspects.
Spokesperson for the sheriff's office, Larry McKinnon, said SWAT and negotiation teams are on standby and the situation is "very fluid".
Local traffic is congested and all ramps to the County Line road have been closed by Florida Highway Patrol, according to Bay News 9.