KATE BRUMBACK Associated Press
MIDLAND CITY, Ala. (AP) - Relatives of the 5-year-old boy freed when federal agents raided the underground bunker of a hostage-taker in Alabama say the youngster is relieved to be home and appears to be doing well.
The boy's great uncle, Berlin Enfinger, said in an interview early Tuesday that "he's happy to be home, and he looks good."
After nearly a week, FBI agents determined that talks with Jimmy Lee Dykes were breaking down and they stormed the bunker and rescued the child Monday. The 65-year-old armed captor was killed by law enforcement officials, an official told The Associated Press.
Dykes was accused of fatally shooting a school bus driver Jan. 29 before seizing the child from among a busload of students and taking him to the bunker.
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Earlier story:
MIDLAND CITY, Ala. (AP/CBS) - Officials say they stormed a bunker in Alabama to rescue a 5-year-old child being held hostage there after his abductor was seen with a gun.
Steve Richardson with the FBI's office in Mobile said at a news conference Monday afternoon that negotiations deteriorated and that 65-year-old Jimmy Lee Dykes had been seen with a gun. At that, officers believed the child was in imminent danger.
Officers entered the bunker just after 3 p.m. CST. It was not immediately clear how Dykes died.
The nation has watched for seven days as Jimmy Lee Dykes has held a five year old boy hostage in an underground bunker. Dykes had blankets and an electric heater in the bunker and allowed authorities to deliver coloring books, medication and toys for the boy.
Authorities say Dykes shot a school bus driver last Tuesday and took the boy to the bunker on his property in rural Midland City.
Dykes is a decorated Vietnam veteran who was described by neighbors as a loner, anti-government, and who allegedly once beat a dog to death.
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