A hostage situation is unfolding at a prison in the southern city of Kaohsiung. The justice ministry has confirmed that six inmates armed with guns have taken two people, including the warden, hostage.
The justice ministry said that the inmates stole four rifles and six handguns. The deputy warden and the head guard then offered to swap places with the hostages. The warden, surnamed Chen, then offered himself up as a hostage in exchange for his deputy's release, leaving the hostage-takers with just Chen and the head guard.
The ministry said that the inmates are unable to escape through the main prison gates because of security mechanisms. Officials also confirmed that the hostage-takers fired several shots in the air as a warning before moving to a side door.
The inmates, who are serving sentences for various crimes, including drug offenses, robbery, and murder, have demanded a getaway car. Nearly four dozen police have gathered outside the prison and are working with the Agency of Corrections officials to help defuse the situation.