JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A robbery suspect surrenders nearly three hours after barricading himself inside a Westside Jacksonville business with a SWAT team outside, blocking two busy roads during afternoon rush hour.
Investigators said they responded to the Advance America Cash Advance store at 5436 Blanding Blvd. about 2:30 p.m. when a woman called 911 to say she heard screams from inside the store of someone who was possibly being robbed.
IMAGES: Photos of SWAT deployment
Police said the suspect, 28-year-old Eric Myrick, was initially inside the store with two people, and he released them. Police said Myrick remained inside alone, and they believed he was armed.
Officers blocked off 103rd Street between Jammes Road and Blanding, and traffic was backed up during rush hour.
Police said Myrick came out about 5:15 p.m.
"Hostage negotiators were able to make contact with him and he willingly came out," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said.
Myrick made his first appearance in court Thursday on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He was being held without bail on the robbery charge.
Myrick's next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 27.