Edmonton, Alberta – A man who barricaded himself with eight hostages inside the Edmonton Workers’ Compensation building surrendered Wednesday night, 10 hours after the drama began.

Edmonton police spokesman Dean Parthenis said the man surrendered without incident and that all hostages were unharmed. Police Inspector Terry Rocchio said the eight hostages were released throughout the day.

The gunman was described as a disgruntled client. Rocchio said the man wanted a chance to tell his story to the media.

Weakened Rick topples trees

Mazatlan, Mexico – Tropical Storm Rick hit Mexico’s Pacific coast just north of the resort of Mazatlan on Wednesday, toppling trees and signs after sparing Los Cabos on the Baja California peninsula a direct blow. There were no reports of significant damage or injuries.

The center of the storm made landfall Wednesday morning with winds of about 55 mph, kicking up high waves that drew residents of Mazatlan to the city’s seaside boulevard to watch the spectacle.

Over the weekend, Rick’s winds were clocked at 180 mph – making it the strongest hurricane in the eastern North Pacific region since 1997. But the storm spent its force far out at sea and weakened over cooler waters.

Far out in the Pacific Ocean, meanwhile, Hurricane Neki strengthened to a Category 3 storm with top winds near 120 mph.