Gunman surrenders, free hostages from Va. post office

A man suspected of firing several shots and taking three people hostage for several hours Wednesday in a southwest Virginia post office surrendered peacefully moments ago, authorities said.

Shortly before 11 p.m., three people believed to be have been held hostage for more than 8 hours were seen leaving through the front door of the post office in Wytheville.

Several minutes later, the suspect, who is disabled, rolled through the front door in a wheelchair. He was immediately taken into custody, said Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for Virginia State Police.

Geller said the hostages appear to be unharmed. She did not identify the suspect.

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