family hostage taking as three officers were shot

A man at the center of a hostage situation near Austin, Texas, involving his family after three police officers were shot released his brother, sister and family pet on Monday but remained inside the home with his mother, police said.

Police have been in negotiations with the man for more than 16 hours since the officers were wounded Sunday afternoon at the home in Cedar Park, interim police chief Mike Harmon said.

The man's mother had called police after he kicked in the door of the home.

Harmon said the negotiations were “delicate” but that they were hopeful the man would surrender peacefully.

“Our negotiations team has been doing an outstanding job throughout the night," he said.

Two of the wounded officers have been treated and released from a hospital and the third was undergoing surgery, Harmon said Monday morning.

Harmon said Sunday that the Cedar Park Police Department had a history at the residence, but did not provide details, including when police last visited the home.

“Our hearts are with the police officers who were injured while protecting the Cedar Park community this afternoon. We must never take for granted the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers, and the State of Texas stands ready to provide the support and resources needed to bring justice to those involved,” Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.