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State : 2 Inmates Hold Guard Hostage

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From Times Wire Services

Two inmates, including a convicted murderer, were holding a guard hostage at the downtown federal jail this morning, authorities said.

Bureau of Prisons personnel and FBI agents were negotiating with the prisoners for the guard’s release, said Gavin O’Connor, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

The prisoners, who were armed with at least one makeshift dagger, overpowered two guards about 9 p.m. Monday. One guard escaped shortly after the incident began and was slightly injured in escaping, the San Diego Union reported.

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O’Connor identified the prisoners as Jose Rodriguez, 32, and Ernesto Olivo Cruz, 32. Both are awaiting sentencing for attempting to rob a federal agent.

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