Police say armed robbery attempt at Belmont drug store becomes hostage situation
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Police in North Carolina say an attempted armed robbery has turned into a hostage situation at a drug store.
Police in Belmont were called to the CVS store shortly before 2 a.m. Friday.
Police Chief Charles Franklin says a gunman fired several shots at the first officers to arrive and they returned fire.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Police say the standoff became a hostage situation and state and local officers are on the scene, including the Gastonia Police SWAT team.
A negotiator is in communication with the gunman. A police statement says three hostages were released shortly after 4 a.m. It was unclear if there were other hostages in the store.
Sgt. John Wilson says there have been no injuries.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Streets in the area have been blocked off. Belmont is about 15 miles west of Charlotte.