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Deadly Bank Robbery in Bessemer

By Associated Press

Bessemer, AL – A gunman shot two people to death and wounded two others in the robbery of a Wachovia Bank branch Monday morning before being shot and captured while taking a woman hostage.

F-B-I spokesman Paul Daymond said a second suspect is being sought.

Jefferson County sheriff's officers said two bank employees were killed in the robbery, which Daymond said occurred around 9 a-m. He said he's unsure if the bank was actually open at the time the gunman entered.

The F-B-I spokesman said at least one deputy was driving by the bank when he saw a man coming out of the bank with a hostage. Deputies said the man was holding a gun to the head of a woman when he tripped, was shot and captured.

The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to U-A-B Hospital.

There is no immediate word on the condition of the two others who were wounded. It is also unclear if any money was taken.

Yellow crime scene tape was stretched around the one-story white brick building, which is adjacent to a Motel 6 near downtown Bessemer.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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