- SWAT teams have surrounded Joseph Restaurant where around 12 staff are reportedly being kept hostage by the manager
- The manager has refused to communicate with police and barricaded himself inside the Miami venue
- Cops were alerted to the situation while responding to reports of a stolen cellphone outside the building
- They say a woman came out to say management had taken their staff hostage
A bar manager is reportedly holding up to a dozen people hostage in an armed stand-off with armed police in Miami.
SWAT teams have surrounded Joseph Restaurant after police received reports that the manager has barricaded himself inside with up to 12 employees and patrons.
SWAT teams have since now breached the front door and police report that their ‘negotiation team is attempting to make contact with the management and/or hostages.’
The manager is not answering his phone or communicating with hostage negotiators.
A bar manager is reportedly holding up to a dozen people hostage in an armed stand-off with armed police in Miami. Pictured are cops on the scene outside the restaurant where the hostage situation is still underway
Cops were alerted to the situation while responding to reports of a stolen cell phone outside the bar in 1900 block of North West 7th St, Miami.
When officers arrived, a woman came out to tell them that the manager was holding staff hostage.
Miami Police Department tweeted: ‘Following a robbery of cell phone outside of the establishment, Joseph Restaurant, our officers were contacted by a female who came out and stated that they are being held hostage by management.’
Surrounding schools, including Citrus Grove Elementary and Citrus Grove Jr High, have been placed on lockdown.
Fire rescue crews have now arrived at the active hostage scene and are waiting on standby.