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GUNMAN NABBED

Armed man arrested after taking hostages at University of Alabama campus

Police negotiators were called to the campus to try and talk with the hostage-taker

AN armed suspect is in custody after sparking a dramatic standoff with police when he stormed a university campus and took up to eight people hostage.

Local police and FBI negotiators were called to the credit union building at the University of Alabama in a bid to try to free the captives.

The gunman was taken into custody after storming the credit union building early this morning
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The gunman was taken into custody after storming the credit union building early this morningCredit: Twitter
Police cars swarm at the scene of the hostage situation
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 Police cars swarm at the scene of the hostage situationCredit: AP:Associated Press
It was reported the gunman first entered the building in a bid to rob it, though cops later said this was not yet clear
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It was reported the gunman first entered the building in a bid to rob it, though cops later said this was not yet clearCredit: AP:Associated Press
It was reported as many as eight people were taken hostage by the gunman
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It was reported as many as eight people were taken hostage by the gunmanCredit: AP:Associated Press

The standoff took place at the Alabama Credit Union, located on the university campus. An alert was issued warning students and staff to avoid the area.

Tuscaloosa Police Lieutenant Teena Richardson said at least one armed suspect entered the branch around 8.30am local time.

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Richardson told  the incident was not reported as a robbery.

"We don't know what the issue is. Negotiators are trying to establish contact with the suspect at this time."

However, police have now confirmed the gunman has been taken into custody and no injuries have been reported.

Witnesses described seeing the building surrounded by armed officers, while a police helicopter hovered overhead during the showdown.

Alabama Credit Union President Steve Swofford said all staff members were safe "as far as we know" but refused to elaborate.

Cops later took the suspect into custody without any reported injuries
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Cops later took the suspect into custody without any reported injuriesCredit: AP:Associated Press

 

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