Carjacking turns into hostage standoff in Orange Co.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - What started as a carjacking in Lake County, turned into a SWAT standoff in Orange County that lasted for hours.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers say a man is in custody after investigators say he committed a carjacking in Lake County off the Turnpike at around 3 p.m. on Saturday.  

Troopers chased the suspect to a complex off Conroy Road in Orange County, where they say he went into a unit where two people were held hostage inside.

Troopers say the victims barricaded themselves in, separating them from the suspect.

Neighbor Iris Ayala said, "He turned into the apartments because the door was open."

The SWAT team surrounded the area.

Orange County Resident Lori Johnson said, "We seen the police coming up with the big guns, they did let us out."

Investigators say the hostages were allowed to go outside after negotiating with the suspect.

After a five-hour standoff, troopers say the SWAT team was able to get the suspect out with the help of tear gas.

Ayala said, "I see the guy in the ambulance, he's alive."

Law enforcement officials say it's lucky no one was injured.