Last Friday night in Central Heights, a man wanted in connection with a murder in Mesa was arrested after a shootout and an hours-long standoff with law enforcement.

According to U.S. Marshals Service officials, members of the Marshals Service-led Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force located the suspect in the Russell Road/Golden Hill area at approximately 4 p.m. Friday. The task force was investigating the man, whose name has not been released, for weapons violations in addition to the homicide, which according to authorities occurred during a March 3 armed robbery.

“Upon attempted contact, the suspect shot at officers with no regard for the safety of the community,” read part of the Marshals Service statement. The man then barricaded himself in a residence, initiating a lengthy standoff during which he exchanged fire with officers. As law enforcement worked to negotiate his peaceful surrender, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office warned residents to avoid the area of Golden Hill and Russell Road. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody. According to the Mesa Police Department, which assisted in the incident, no officers were harmed.

The Marshals Service said that in addition to the Mesa Police Department, support was provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Globe Police Department, Gila County Sheriff’s Office and “numerous other partner agencies.” The investigation is ongoing.