Published: May 17, 2009 09:21 pm      

UPDATE on Clinton hostage situation

CLINTON — One of the two hostages being held by a suspect at the Jewel-Osco Store at 1307 N. 2nd St. has been released, according to Clinton Police Capt. Mike Gertson.

The male, age 19 or 20, according to Gertson, was released between 9 and 9:15 p.m.

According to department officials, a 23-year-old male walked into the store at about 6:29 p.m. carrying a rifle. Either he or a store manager reportedly sounded a fire alarm to clear the building, and the suspect then took two employees hostage, the second being a female.

The suspect, who is believed to have either quit or been fired as a store employee recently, is believed to be in a second-floor break room. Gertson confirmed that there had been text-messaging going on between the suspect and someone away from the scene, but he did not go into any further detail.

In excess of 20 law enforcement officials are on the scene, including a tactical team, state police, local police, fire department officials, negotiators and the Gateway Area H.E.A.T. unit.

Police have had telephone contact with the suspect, and no demands have been made, according to Gertson.

Traffic in the area was being rerouted. Police were setting up barricades on 2nd Street at 11th Avenue North and Roosevelt at 11th Avenue North. They also were working at setting up barricades on 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th avenues at Pershing.

There were also concerns about residents in the area, and they were being asked to stay away from 2nd Avenue.