Minnesota Man Arrested After Holding 5 People Hostage During Bank Robbery
Police mentioned that negotiations were continuing with the suspect, and there were no reports of injuries. It was immediately clear whether other employees of the bank were being held against their will. Photo by Life Matters from Pexels

After hours-long negotiation, the suspect, who held several bank employees hostage in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was finally put into the custody of authorities on Thursday night.

St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson identified the hostage-taker as 35-year-old Ray Reco McNeary, the Minnesota CBS local reported.

According to Anderson, the police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tactical team stormed the Wells Fargo branch in St. Cloud, Minnesota after eight hours of negotiating with the suspect.

Authorities said they captured McNeary without any injuries. It is still unclear whether the suspect had a weapon or not, but investigators are still searching the place to ensure it is already safe.

Anderson also mentioned that McNeary has an extensive criminal history. He was already scheduled to go in court Thursday in connection to a violent offense. Police said the five hostages were all released unharmed before the final showdown at the bank.

Minnesota Bank Robbery Standoff

It was initially unknown how many hostages were inside the bank. The Associated Press earlier reported that three women and a man were released from the Wells Fargo bank.

Police noted that the first woman ran from the bank toward SWAT members with her hands up. After being searched and cleared, the woman was immediately escorted to safety.

Later on, two women and a man emerged from the bank and were also led to safety. Each released was welcomed with a flurry of cheers from the gathered crowds.

Reports said the incident started at around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday after the police received a robbery report in progress.

A resident of St. Cloud, Abdi Kadir, shared that he was in the bank drive-through when the teller hurriedly told him to vacate the area. As he drove off, he saw people running out of the bank, the Star-Tribune reported.

Two armored vehicles were earlier seen stationed close to the bank's front door, along with a number of armed officers. Police moved onlookers away from the bank for safety purposes, but a crowd still gathered across the street to witness the drama unfold.

In a statement released before the suspect's arrest, Wells Fargo said they recognize that it is a traumatic moment for the community and their colleagues.

The spokeswoman of the company, Staci Schiller, also confirmed that there was an ongoing hostage situation at the south branch of the bank.

She added that the bank officials are cooperating with local law enforcement and will do whatever they can to assist and help the authorities.

Reports said the final hostage walked free at around 10:30 p.m., several minutes before the police stormed the bank.

Authorities have not mentioned any other motive of the hostage-taker besides money. According to the FBI, the majority of individuals who attempt bank robberies are overwhelmingly male.

WATCH: Four Released as Hostage Situation Continues at St. Cloud Wells Fargo - From KARE 11