Photo from NBC5

A friend of mine just emailed me from the UK and said “what about that hostage situation in Chicago?” Hostages? Hostages. Eek!

A bank robber trying to rob the First Commercial Bank at 6945 N Clark this morning got into a standoff with the police and was holding hostages. A group got out, and authorities are still trying to determine whether there are any more employees or customers inside. The entire block, including a strip mall and an elementary school (not in session today), are on lockdown and the 22 bus has been re-routed.

Sun-Times coverage
Tribune coverage

Update (12:54 pm): NBC5 is quoting a source saying that all bank employees are accounted for and that SWAT teams are entering the building.