Fired Volunteer Fireman Arrested After Holding Four Hostages

A recently fired volunteer firefighter surrendered to police  late Tuesday morning after allegedly holding four hostages at gunpoint at the LaMott Fire Company in Elkins Park.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was fired from his position yesterday. He entered the fire house at approximately 10:40 a.m. He fired a shot into a wall, threatening to shoot firefighters, according to Cheltenham Chief of Police John Norris at a press conference this afternoon.

Once police arrived, the suspect is said to have released one hostage, but kept three firefighters in the basement of the fire company. The SWAT team secured the ground floor of the fire department by entering through a bay door. Other officers, with weapons drawn, surrounded the property.

Police negotiated with the former fireman by telephone, and after several minutes of negotiations, the suspect agreed to peacefully surrender to the SWAT team. There were no reported injuries in the incident.

All involved in the hostage situation were taken to Cheltenham Police headquarters for questioning. The suspect was transported to an undisclosed psychiatric facility.

No charges have been announced at this time.