Inmates Release One of Two Hostages
One of two correctional officers held hostage west of Phoenix by two inmates for nearly a week climbed down from a prison guard tower to safety. The guard was taken to a hospital after being released, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Cam Hunter.
The inmates took the guards hostage early Jan. 18 in the tower at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye.
The release occurred after negotiators delivered an item demanded by the inmates.
Negotiators were still working for the freedom of the other hostage in the tower, which is believed to be stocked with weapons.
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