Police Mistake Student Film For Hostage Crisis

Police Mistake Student Film For Hostage Crisis

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- Maybe next time, a group of Fernandina Beach High School students should notify the police about filming a movie, if there is a next time.

Members of the school's Spanish club were filming a movie yesterday in the downtown post office when the police showed up believing a hostage crisis was going on.

Police closed off the block, cleared nearby buildings and surrounded the post office ready for a hostage crisis.

When a group of students left the post office, they were ordered to get on the ground, face down.

Postmaster Ron Steedley had given permission for the students to use the post office after hours to make a movie. But apparently, someone saw the teens carrying toy guns into the building and called police.

Steedley says he didn't think they student's movie would frighten anyone.

Police Lieutenant Jim Coe says it's unlikely criminal charges will be filed. The students, however, may be asked for some reimbursement.

Devon Menendez says he won't accept any more offers to direct a movie.