Nine hostages taken in bank in Indiana

LOWELL, Ind. (AP) -- Nine people were taken hostage by a gunman Tuesday morning in a downtown bank, and two adults and a child were released by mid-morning, police said.

Authorities negotiated with the gunman for the release of the hostages, Deputy Lake County police chief Melvin Maxwell said.

Three people were escorted from the bank, two initially and then a third after authorities dropped a large bag at the door.

No information was available on the condition of the remaining hostages in the Centier Bank, but police surrounded the building and FBI agents were on the scene.

FBI agent Doug Garrison said he assumed the gunman was trying to rob the bank, but investigators weren't sure yet if that was the case.

Nearby Lowell High School was locked down because of the standoff, and two restaurants near the bank were evacuated by police.

Lowell is located in northwest Indiana, about 30 miles south of Chicago.