UPDATE: According to Newport News police, the male employee involved in the hostage situation on Tuesday, March 20, was located unharmed late Tuesday night.
Newport News police have identified the male employee as 33-year-old Justin Lawrence of Newport News.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for additional information, as it becomes available.
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The SWAT team was out in full force. They were waiting to enter the Saunders and Lawrence law firm only to find out there was no one inside. No suspect, no hostage, just endless questions.
The call came in around 11 a.m., and instantly everyone here near Thimble Shoals Boulevard was on high alert.
Nearby businesses were evacuated.
Streets were blocked off, a command center was set up by police and guns were drawn.
It was a scary sight for family of those who worked in the area.
By mid-afternoon, the scene had settled, but the case is still open and with few answers.
“We are looking for the hostage yes. We want to know where he is of course. Just in case he was kidnapped, we have to investigate the scene. Collect any possible evidence,” says Holly McPherson of the Newport News police department.
Police say the family of the possible hostage has been cooperative but they have not been able to contact their loved one.
