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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. Over 100 officers are at the scene of a possible hostage situation at a McDonalds franchise in Lakeland, Florida. There may be up to three armed male suspects involved and one hostage, according to authorities.
However, police say it is also possible that the person claiming to be a hostage is actually one of the suspects.
It’s been reported the situation developed after suspects ran into the fast food restaurant following an alleged armed carjacking.It’s been reported the situation developed after suspects ran into the fast food restaurant following an alleged armed carjacking.
The carjacking reportedly 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, 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.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 people are said to be still inside the premises. People reportedly fled the McDonald's in Lakeland, Polk County, when the suspects entered.
However, it is not clear if these people are hostages or are suspects.
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. Only two are thought to be still inside the restaurant.
At one point, police helped employees escape through a window and apprehended one of the suspects at that time.
The sheriff's office 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.
However, Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee added there is a possibility the suspects got out before police arrived.
No employees are believed to have been injured in the incident.No employees are believed to have been injured in the incident.
The sheriff's office are leading the investigation with assistance from other law enforcement agencies.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 says the suspects are believed to be from Orlando.
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. One hundred law enforcement officers, from multiple agencies, have been deployed at the County Line Road in Lakeland, Polk County. 
Police are also using a robot which has cleared some nearby buildings and has allowed them to see into the restaurant.
Spokesperson for the sheriff's office, Larry McKinnon, said SWAT and negotiation teams are on standby and the situation is "very fluid".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.Local traffic is congested and all ramps to the County Line road have been closed by Florida Highway Patrol, according to Bay News 9.