Police say none of the employees at a Sprint Store in Matteson were injured during a hostage situation Wednesday night. They were, however, frightened by the experience.
A possible hostage situation involving an armed gunman at the Sprint Store in Matteson was resolved shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night when police discovered the alleged robber had fled before police arrived.
Police were dispatched to the Sprint Store, 4858 211th Street Matteson Center, Matteson, around 6:30 p.m. According to police at the scene, it was believed that an armed gunman was in the store holding hostages.
Employees at Panera Bread next to the Sprint Store received a call from the Matteson Police Department at approximately 6:35 p.m. advising them to put the store on lockdown. Patrons were immediately advised to vacate the front of the store and congregate an area away from windows. Meanwhile, a manager locked all doors to the establishment, advising patrons that no one was permitted to leave the store.
A strong showing of police followed shortly after, including officers and detectives from neighboring Olympia Fields and Park Forest. According to police at the scene, employees at the Sprint Store were ordered into an office by the alleged perpatrator, who then fled the store. Employees in the Sprint Store were unaware the suspect had left the building.