A gunman on Tuesday afternoon took three people hostage at a Tensas State Bank in St. Joseph, south of Monroe, located in northeastern Louisiana.
The man apparently has a automatic weapon, reported The Associated Press, citing Louisiana State Police.
Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson told AP that the FBI is on its way
A police negotiator is on the scene and is talking with the gunman to get a positive outcome, reported KARD-TV.
The station reported that Highway 128 was blocked off by police.
“At this point, we don’t know if the suspect was trying to commit a robbery," Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Civil Deputy Neeci Gregory told the News Star.
Sixth District Attorney Jim Paxton told the paper that much of St. Joseph was blocked off by law enforcement over the incident.
Edmonson says authorities believe the three hostages are bank employees. It is unclear whether any customers were in the bank.
Story is developing; check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
