Iran Press/America: A gunman who barricaded himself in a SunTrust Bank in Florida killed at least five people in the branch on Wednesday, Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said.
Multiple people were shot in a hostage situation at a SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida, according to Highlands County Commissioner Don Elwell, CNN reported.
The suspect called authorities to say he had entered the bank in Sebring, about 85 miles south of Orlando, and began shooting. Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sebring resident Zephen Xaver, who is in custody.
It wasn't immediately clear if those shot were bank employees or customers. The victims have not yet been identified and family notifications have not yet been made, according to authorities.
The incident began with the phone call to authorities from the suspect shortly after 12:30 p.m., officials said.
"I have shot five people," the caller said, according to Sebring Police. Sebring Police and Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene.
Initial negotiations to try to get the barricaded suspect to leave the bank were not successful, so a SWAT team entered the bank and continued negotiations.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sebring resident Zephen Xaver, who is in custody
Investigators spent hours at the home of Zephen Xaver, 21, collecting evidence and talking to people who know him. Collectively, they expressed shock at the violent crime, though some weren't entirely surprised by Xaver's involvement.
The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are assisting in the case. Authorities are still investigating the motive.105/209
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