4 In Custody After Gunshots Fired From Seattle Balcony

A manhunt and standoff were sparked after gunshots were fired from an apartment balcony at 20th Avenue and East Yesler Way at about 8:15 a.m. Thursday, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

A witness told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Essex Porter there were four shots, a pause and then four more shots.

Policed swarmed the Central Seattle area, telling people to stay inside or leave the perimeter around the apartments, not knowing whether the shooter remained inside the apartment or had escaped outside.

WATCH IT: Shots Fly From Apartment Balcony

One officer was seen crouching behind a patrol car with his gun drawn, while others searched Edwin Pratt Park across the street from the apartments.

Washington Middle School was placed in lockdown. The school was not yet in session for the year, but staff was inside.

SLIDESHOW: Manhunt For Yesler Balcony Shooter

Officers turned their attention to the apartment where the shots were fired. A SWAT vehicle and officers were stationed outside the complex as a negotiator used a loudspeaker to order those inside to come out.

At about 10 a.m., four people inside the apartment emerged. Two men and two women were led away in handcuffs and detained for questioning.

SWAT officers cleared the apartment, where they found several 9mm shell casings and a stolen 9mm handgun.

Police booked a 25-year-old man into the King County Jail for reckless endangerment, possession of stolen propert, and a Department of Corrections violations.

Police say no one was injured in the incident.