INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A man with a handgun fired off a single shot outside of Pemberly Palms Apartments before barricading himself inside his residence at the complex, sheriff’s officials said late Sunday. Witnesses heard the man – who is known to deputies – make threats to “get in a shootout,” Indian River County sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Joe Abollo said.

The incident prompted a massive response from law enforcement agencies in the area. Residents on the west side of Pemberly Palms complex – where the man resides – were evacuated, Abollo said.

Officials with Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and the Vero Beach Police Department responded to the call. Abollo said the Indian River sheriff’s SWAT team and crisis negotiation team were also working the incident.

“Our crisis negotiation team is in contact with the man,” Abollo said.

Sheriff’s dispatchers received 911 calls about 5:45 p.m. about the resident who fired a gun at the complex located near 8th Street and Indian River Boulevard. Abollo said the man ran into his apartment and barricaded himself inside before deputies arrived.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

“We still have a perimeter in the area,” Abollo said. “No one is allowed to go in.”

Photos by Joshua Kodis