Active shooter threat 'contained' by Florida cops after hours-long standoff

Cops responded to an active shooter situation in Melbourne, Florida, on Wednesday, as a man barricaded himself in an apartment.

Members of the public were asked to avoid the area of Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue for much of the morning. 

The suspect was placed in police custody after he exited the apartment and engaged in gunfire with officers.

Police returned the fire, injuring the suspect before they arrested him. His condition is unclear. 

A spokesperson for the police department told DailyMail.com they were met with fire as they arrived at the scene at the Pentagon Gardens apartments after receiving a call about suspicious activity.

No officers were hurt, according to officials.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area of Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue

'The incident has been contained at this point, however the investigation remains ongoing,' Melbourne police said on social media.

'While there will still be a law enforcement presence in the area, there is no further threat to public safety. 

Images from the scene showed SWAT vehicles and dozens of officers blocking the street.

Reporters at the scene say they have heard several rounds of fire. 

Melbourne Police Department previously said: 'Melbourne PD is actively working an active shooter situation in the area of Babcock & Strawbridge. 

'Please avoid the area. Press staging area is in the parking lot north of Hibicus, west of Babcock. We will keep you updated as we receive more info.' 

Reporters at the scene say they have heard several rounds of fire

Police responded to the the Pentagon Gardens apartments on Wednesday morning

A suspect has not been named. 

'We still have officers out there in harm's way,' Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie said about two hours after the incident began. 

'We still have a guy in there. We still have officers out there in harm's way. I want to make sure that they get out of there safely and get this subject into custody.'

Melbourne is a coastal town about 70 miles southeast of Orlando.