Calexico hostage situation called a false alarm (6-17-08 1:33 p.m.)

CALEXICO ---- What was initially reported as an armed hostage situation in the 600 block of McKinley Street is a false alarm, Calexico police said today.

Police had surrounded the home when they thought an armed man was holding family members hostage, but police told a reporter on scene it was a false alarm that may have been attributed to an elderly resident of the home who was under the influence.

All police have left the home, and Calexico paramedics were treating the elderly patient at the scene. No other information was available.

--- RICHARD BROWN, assistant editor