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UPDATE: The standoff ended shortly after 4:00 p.m. There was no one inside the building.

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Police in Dallas responded to a business alarm call early Thursday morning, and it turned into a standoff that lasted into the afternoon hours. The incident began just before 8:30 a.m. at the Ace Cash Express location near the intersection of Midway Road and Frankford Road.

According to authorities, an employee arrived to open the store, but there was already a masked suspect waiting for her inside. That individual was holding a gun and demanded money.

The employee was able to flee from the location when police arrived at the scene. She was not hurt.

However, officers believe that the suspect is still barricaded inside of the Ace Cash Express location. They surrounded the area and have been engaged in a standoff ever since. Dozens of police cars could be seen in the parking lot and nearby streets. That area was evacuated and roadways have been shut down. There was also a SWAT vehicle parked directly outside of the building where the suspect was believed to be holed up.

Police are asking the public to be patient as this situation unfolds.