Hostages Released From Canadian Jet Hijacked in Jamaica, Gunman Arrested

A gunman described as "mentally challenged" was arrested following an eight-hour standoff with police after he hijacked a Canadian charter plane on the tarmac near the resort city of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The man reportedly robbed several travelers before setting them free, but continued to hold the crew. At least one shot was fired, but there were no fatalities, officials said.

Officials tell FOX News six crew members aboard CanJet Flight 918, destined for Halifax, Canada, were released shortly before 8 a.m. when police stormed the plane and arrested the man at Sangster International Airport.

He was not harmed.

The gunman, described by Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz as a "mentally challenged youngster," is about 20 years old and Jamaican. He did not detail the man's mental condition but said he was apparently upset over a failed relationship.

"It's a most unfortunate situation, but I can say the passengers are happy to be alive," Vaz said. "This whole experience has been very traumatic for them."

Television Jamaica reports Prime Minister Bruce Golding, along with national security ministers, flew in by helicopter to oversee negotiations with the gunman.

There were 159 passengers and eight crew members aboard CanJet Flight 918 when the gunman barged through security at 10 p.m. local time and forced his way onto the plane, police said.

Sky News reported the gunman used fake identification cards to get past security.

Vaz told the Associated Press he demanded the plane fly to Cuba.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was in Jamaica for a one-day visit, was awakened with the news early Monday and was monitoring developments, his office told The Canadian Press.

The passengers were taken to a hotel, Vaz said. CanJet planned to fly another aircraft to Montego Bay to return the passengers to Canada, CanJet Vice President Kent Woodside said.

The charter airline is owned by Halifax-based IMP Group Ltd., according to CanJet's Web site.

The motives of the gunman are unknown.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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