Louisiana Hostage Situation

Louisiana -- Authorities state a gunman has taken at least three individuals captive at a bank in northeastern Louisiana.

It took place Tuesday afternoon at the Tensas State Bank in St. Joseph, La., southeast of Monroe.
Louisiana State Police say the man was armed with some type of automatic weapon, but they are unsure if he was attempting to dedicate a burglary.

"At this point, we have no idea if the suspect was trying to dedicate a burglary," Tensas Parish Constable's Office Chief Civil Deputy Neeci Gregory reportedly stated.

The standoff has actually been going on for over an hour and negotiators are talking with the suspect.

Law enforcement blocking off a road. (Photo credit: myarklamiss.com)

Both the FBI and a SWAT team are on the scene.
Edmonson says authorities believe the couple of captives are bank employees. It is uncertain whether any customers were in the bank. Local press reporter Josh Bergerson of the Natchez Democrat, tweeted the three people had actually been "handcuffed together.".

Law enforcement is likewise supposedly blocking access to Motorway 128 East for individuals going toward the scene, reports myarklamisscom.

The brother of the suspect was detained later on in the day after reportedly trying to get in the criminal offense scene.