Santa Monica Gunman Releases Four Hostages
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Let's update you now on that breaking news story involving hostages on the Santa Monica Pier out in California. The Associated Press reports the gunman has released three children and one woman within the past hour. It is believed that he is still holding as many as six hostages right now. Police tell CNN a negotiator has been talking with the gunman. This incident began just about three hours ago or so when the man ran from police after they had arrested his friend on a triple-murder charge. Officers gave chase and three of them, along with a civilian, were wounded in the process. None of the wounds is considered life-threatening. A police official told us just a few minutes ago that the gunman is holding the hostages in the Playland Arcade on the Santa Monica Pier. We will continue to follow this story.