A North Carolina bank robbery and hostage suspect was shot to death as he tried to leave a standoff with police by holding a gun to a woman's head. Police were called to the Wachovia bank in Cary, N.C. around 3 p.m. ET after being alerted to a robbery. Seven hostages were taken, though the armed man released two women two hours into the standoff and none of the hostages were injured, said Cary Police Chief Pat Bazemore, according to The Associated Press. Town, county and state law enforcement agencies were called to the scene and surrounded the building, town spokeswoman Carrier Roman said. Wells Fargo released a statement offering their assistance to police before the fatal shootings. "The safety and security of our customers and team members is a top priority for Wachovia Wells Fargo," the statement said. "We are working very closely with law enforcement officials and providing any assistance and information that may help bring about a safe resolution to this situation." Several nearby schools were placed on lockdown during the incident and after-school activities were cancelled, Roman said
