MCKEESPORT — A man with a device strapped to his chest walked into a bank, took eight people hostage and threatened to blow up the building before surrendering to authorities Thursday, police said.

All hostages were released unharmed before the suspect, Charles Cottle, 38, walked out of the bank with his hands up around 5:10 p.m. and was arrested, said McKeesport Police Chief Joseph Pero.

The situation began about two hours earlier when Cottle walked into the PNC Bank on Lysle Boulevard and told a security guard he was going to blow up the building, Pero said.

Cottle had two spray paint cans and wires duct-taped to his chest, but police later discovered the paint cans were empty, the chief said.

The suspect did not demand money, Pero said, noting that robbery did not seem to be the motive.

"It appears he's having some personal problems," Pero said. "I'm glad it ended without anyone being injured or killed."

The hostages — five employees and three customers — were released about 40 minutes after Cottle entered the bank, Pero said.

Once authorities became aware of the situation, the suspect demanded to speak with a specific McKeesport detective, Pero said. Negotiations began with that officer, followed by the FBI; Cottle also demanded to speak with an estranged girlfriend, who was called in, Pero said.

Cottle surrendered shortly after speaking with the girlfriend, Pero said.

Cottle was charged with unlawful restraint, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction and making terroristic threats.

Before going into the bank, Cottle went into the store of a Sunoco gas station next door.

Jason Domingo, 25, was working the cash register at the Sunoco when he said a man walked in, grabbed a half-gallon of iced tea and came to the counter.

"He unzippered (a black jacket) and I saw wires and something strapped to his chest. I kind of froze," Domingo said. "I was with a customer. I told her not to move."

The man demanded a carton of Marlboro cigarettes and said, "I'm going to the PNC, call the police," according to Domingo.