Armed Rape Suspect Releases 2 Hostages, Others Remain

An armed rape suspect in Baltimore has released two hostages, WBAL reports, but is still holding a 7-year-old girl and others inside a Burger King restaurant. Initially, police said there were "about four" hostages, according to NBC 4. Police officers and SWAT team members have the restaurant surrounded. "Our ultimate goal is to end this peacefully for all parties," TJ Smith of the Baltimore police said in an earlier press conference.

According to reports, police recognized the suspect and tried to pull him over about 11am Sunday. A car chase ensued, with the suspect ultimately hitting another vehicle. The suspect ran inside the Burger King. He is believed to have a handgun, Smith says. Police say the alleged rape happened in the last two days. (More crime stories.)