LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Las Vegas metro officers are investigating after an armed suspect barricaded themselves in a western valley residence.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the barricade started at around 7:15 a.m. in the area of Searchers Avenue and Western Front Street near West Lone Mountain Road and the 215.

Officers responded to a residence in the area after the suspect threatened another person with a firearm. The victim was able to escape the residence and notify police.

The suspect then barricaded themselves inside the residence.

A neighbor told 8 News Now that he saw a SWAT sniper on a nearby home, and at one point he heard two loud bangs, which could have been gunshots.

Police asked the public to avoid the area. At around 5:30 p.m., police allowed residents in the area to go back to their homes.

This a developing story. Stay with 8 News Now for updates.