Local

Man accused of holding 3 hostage in CVS expected to appear in court

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — On Monday, the man accused of trying to rob a pharmacy and holding three people hostage in Belmont is expected to appear before a judge.

Edward Russ is charged with multiple felonies, including kidnapping, attempted robbery, and attempted murder.

Police say he tried to rob the CVS pharmacy on Wilkinson Boulevard early Friday morning.

Officers say when they arrived; he shot at them and took three people hostage.

No one was hurt, and the hostages were released safely.

Police say Russ surrendered without incident after a 6-hour standoff.

He is in the Gaston County Jail on a $5 million bond.