World | Other World Stories
Man takes dozens hostage in Guatemala City
A man believed to be armed with an explosive device took dozens of people hostage inside a building in Guatemala City on Monday, police said.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:06 October 7, 2008
Guatemala City: A man believed to be armed with an explosive device took dozens of people hostage inside a building in Guatemala City on Monday, police said.
The hostage-taker shot and wounded a security guard in the building where he held a group of around 40 employees working the late shift at a call center on the fifth floor, the Emisoras Unidas radio station said. He threatened to set off a bomb he claimed he was carrying, the station said.
According to a police officer the 29-year-old assailant had a "sentimental" problem related to his ex-wife.
"It's very worrying particularly for my mother who is terrified," said Marco Ayala, whose brother Luis was being held hostage.
Fire trucks and ambulances waited outside a police cordon thrown up around the building as dozens of residents from nearby looked on.
Police delivered boxes of pizzas and bottles of water to the building.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Reader helps police to bust brothel
More than 20 gang members recently arrested from running brothels in Dubai
-
Philippine areas under emergency rule
Toll rises to 46 in brutal kidnap and murder in the south
-
Obama seeks to reassure Singh on ties
Singh is on elaborate state visit that will include talks on US ties with Pakistan
