Seattle Police locked down the area around the Broadway Market QFC and the shopping complex’s gym and were telling people to stay clear of the 400 block of Broadway E after reports of an armed man inside the building.

Police confirmed they were “investigating reports of an armed subject” in the area.

UPDATE 8:10 PM: The suspect is reported “in custody” and the scene is reportedly secure. Seattle Fire has been called in to treat people at the scene. Please continue to remain out of the area.

UPDATE x2: The situation began drawing to a close just after 8 PM when SPD reportedly set off a flash bang explosion, setting off alarms throughout the building. The suspect was reported in custody soon after.

UPDATE 11:00 PM: Police describe the situation as an “armed dispute” that included “a man was being held at gunpoint” at the fitness center:

While patrol units worked to secure the area, SWAT and members of the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to respond to the scene. HNT established communication with the suspect and gained compliance allowing SWAT to safely move in and take the suspect into custody. Once the suspect was in custody, SWAT searched and secured the business to ensure the location was safe for normal operation. During the incident, patrons sheltered in place inside the fitness business until it was safe for them to evacuate. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

Police say there were no serious injuries reported. Seattle Fire says it treated the suspect for minor injuries at the scene.

SPD says the 42-year-old suspect was booked into King County Jail for assault and unlawful imprisonment and a handgun was seized.

https://twitter.com/Subzidion/status/1674239521234497536

There have been no reports of gunfire and Seattle Fire had not been called for any injuries as of just before 7:30 PM. A medic unit was called to the area to be on standby. UPDATE: Additional Seattle Fire resources were called to evaluate up to seven people from inside the building reported as “alert and oriented.”

Witnesses say a man with a gun was reported to have fled into Pacific Northwest Fitness on the second floor of the complex where a standoff is underway.

SWAT was reported at the scene and negotiators were being dispatched according to radio updates.

The situation began taking shape just after 7 PM as police closed down the busy street and worked to contain the block-long shopping center busy with evening shoppers.

Large @SeattlePD response to reports of armed suspect holding staff at PNW Fitness on #CapitolHill in Seattle. Here's video from the scene.

[E Broadway Ave E is closed btwn E Harrison and E Roy St.] pic.twitter.com/coGX8oy2p0

— Brian M. Westbrook (@BrianWestbrook) June 29, 2023

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