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Miami Police have responded to reports of a hostage situation at Joseph’s Club Restaurant at 1971 NW Seventh Street in Miami, Florida.
According to initial reports, the bar manager is reportedly holding up to a dozen people hostage in an armed stand-off. SWAT teams have surrounded the restaurant after police received reports that the manager has barricaded himself inside with up to 12 employees and patrons. Currently, the manager is not answering his phone or communicating with hostage negotiators.
Nearby Citrus Grove Elementary School and Citrus Grove Middle School were initially placed on lockdown as a precaution, but those lockdowns have since been lifted.
At the moment, a heavy police presence is at the scene while negotiators attempt to free the hostages. The police department’s SWAT team has made their way inside the restaurant.
Fire rescue crews have also arrived at the scene.