A bank manager has been wounded during a terrifying robbery playing out in Pearland, involving several hostages.
At about 11:30am, the situation began at the Chase bank at 1915 North Main Street, near a Walmart. Armed suspects are still in the building threatening violence against several hostages. Reports are there are two gunmen and at least six hostages. They are believed to be a mix of employees and possibly customers. Unconfirmed statements suggest that some people inside the bank were allowed to leave in the minutes after the robbery.
Pearland police say there were shots fired when the fleeing robbers saw a police officer responding to a 911 call pull into the parking lot. That apparently forced the robbers to retreat inside the building, and the standoff has continued.
About 60 law enforcement officers, including FBI agents and SWAT officers, have surrounded the bank. Police have requested Eyewitness News stop providing live streaming video from SkyEye above the scene, due to security precautions. Negotiations with the suspects, two or more, are underway.
Pearland police have confirmed the bank manager was beaten by the suspects. Shots had been fired inside the bank, leading to confusion over how the manager was injured. He was taken to a nearby fast food restaurant, but police are not sure if he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. His condition is unknown.
Police have set up multiple roadblocks in the area, including one on Highway 35 at McHard Road. Residents are advised to avoid the area.
A nearby fast food restaurant manager has witnessed the events and tells Eyewitness News he saw at least one person exit the building with blood on him. Another witness said he was on his way to get a sandwich when he heard four gunshots, then saw a man running out of the bank.
We're also hearing that employees in the McDonalds at the Walmart have been on lockdown, but reports differ as to whether customers are being held in the store.
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