Police: Suspect did not hold hostages at Rolla post office

Rolla police said a man did not hold his coworkers hostage during a standoff that ended with his death on Sunday.

Officers were called to a post office at 501 W. 8th Street in Rolla around 2:30 p.m. for an armed man who had barricaded himself inside.

The coworkers left the building shortly after officers arrived, but the man refused to surrender.

The Rolla Police Department’s crisis negotiation team and SWAT team were activated.

After several hours of attempted negotiations, a SWAT team entered the post office and found the man dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He was identified as Benedict J.G. Benito, 33, of Rolla.

Initial reports indicated the man may have taken hostages, but on Monday, Capt. Jason Smith said the investigation determined the man did not point his gun at his coworkers nor hold them hostage.

Police Chief Sean Fagan said the man was a good employee who was never in trouble.

A motive is not known.