CLINTON, Md. - A hostage in an elaborate kidnapping and bank robbery scheme in Prince George's County is telling his story of the bizarre and shocking chain of events that led him and police to stop the plot that included his entire family.

James Spruell of Clinton, Md., tells ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 reporter Richard Reeve about the frightening 12 hours that him and his family were held hostage in their home by would-be robbers.

"I'd die for my family," said James Spruell.

Spruell knows he is a blessed and a lucky man after a terrifying night.

"My wife comes home, they put a gun to her head, and he tied us up for 12 hours," James said. "They followed my wife from work and they wanted her to facilitate a robbery from her job."

The two suspects armed with a gun and knife threatened to kill the Spruells and their two sons, ages 8 and 10.

"They held this family hostage overnight; they actually used electrical cords within the home to tie up the father and mother," said Greg Shipley, Maryland State Police.

The suspects initial plan was for one suspect to go back to the bank alone with Spruell's wife, but the quick-thinking father and husband found a way to make sure his family stayed in tact.

"I made up a story and said my aunt was coming over at the same time that he wanted my wife to take off to her branch," Spruell said.

Then while driving to the bank with an armed suspect in the car, quick-thinking Spruell acted again. He started weaving to attract the attention of a Maryland State Trooper. Once pulled over, and the trooper at his passenger window, Spruell made his move.

"I hopped from the front to the back...and I held him down and said, 'he got a gun, he got a gun, he got a gun,'' Spruell said.

With the gunman in custody, Spruell is counting his blessings.

You don't really realize these things 'til things like this happen; how really blessed you are, so I am blessed," Spruell added.

» Related Article: Police Arrest 2 in Robbery, Kidnapping Plot

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