Robber Shot Down During HostageStand-Off

LAKELAND, Fla. - (01/25/05) -- Polk County sheriff's deputies shotan alleged serial robber late Monday night after the suspect robbedMidFlorida CU, then held a woman hostage at a local motel. WesleyCaruthers, 39, was shot at least once outside his room atCrossroads Motor Lodge, then rushed to the hospital for treatment,were he was being guarded. It's unclear if Caruthers was armed.Police had been hunting for Caruthers since midafternoon, when heallegedly held-up the credit union's branch in nearby Bartow. He isalso suspected in at least four other recent bankrobberies.