After a tense hostage situation at a Miami restaurant between the restaurant manager and authorities, Miami police now say they found no one held against their will and the standoff is over.
The Goldwater <a href="http://www.thegoldwater.com/news/17577-Breaking-12-Hostages-Taken-by-Gunman-in-Miami-Two-Schools-on-Lockdown">first broke the story of a gunman</a> who told authorities Monday they had taken between ten and twelve hostages. Miami SWAT responded to the scene which initially began after an attempted cell phone robbery at the restaurant.
The city of Miami Police SWAT team entered the restaurant Joseph Club at 1971 NW 7th St but found no one inside. Police did take a woman and two others into custody including the restaurant manager.
One woman told investigators management was holding between 10 and 12 people against their will after a cellphone was reportedly stolen.
Miami Police Officer Michael Vega said, "What we understand is that the club manager is holding these employees and some patrons hostage."
SWAT and police negotiators responded and quickly set up a perimeter with snipers on nearby roofs. Local news captured law enforcement throwing a spool of cable over the fence lining the property to establish communication with those inside.
Just before 4 pm, six members of the police department's special response team entered the property with guns drawn but found no one inside.
The incident prompted Citrus Grove Elementary and Middle schools to be locked down as a precaution but the lockdown was lifted at 4 pm.
By 6:15 EST, the authorities gave the all clear and the street between 18th and 21st avenues has been reopened to traffic. At this time no charges have been filed.
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