DEVELOPING: More than 100 law enforcement officers are on the scene. Multiple law enforcement agency are converging as armed car jackers are seeking refuge in a Florida McDonald’s during Saturday lunch hour.
Reportedly, three armed men are holding one hostage. It could be than one of the carjackers is pretending to be a hostage.
Earlier, we reported:
It’s been reported the situation developed after suspects ran into the fast food restaurant following a suspected armed carjacking.
The ordeal began in Hillsborough County with an armed carjacking, according to the sheriff’s office. About half an hour later, the suspect vehicle was spotted on Interstate 4, officials said. The suspects fled into Polk County and eventually exited at County Line Road in Lakeland.
@HCSOSheriff Crisis Negotiation Team on scene with HCSO SWAT at McDonald’s at County Line Rd & I-4. Still a active scene, more info to come. pic.twitter.com/SmycXR1ovf
— Larry McKinnon ⭐️ (@LarryMcHCSO) October 8, 2016
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the suspect entered a Frontage Road McDonald’s.
. @HCSOSheriff : Suspect(s) involved in armed car jacking this AM ditched car at McDonald’s & ran in. Employees believed to be inside @BN9
— Katie Jones (@KJones821) October 8, 2016
Investigators said the suspects bailed out of the vehicle and ran into the McDonald’s. Several people realized what was happening and ran out of the restaurant, but some employees are believed to still be inside, deputies said.
We will continue to monitor the volatile, developing situation and provide updates as we have them.