Four suspects are in custody after an intense standoff that began in the early morning hours Tuesday in Portage la Prairie.

The armed suspects had barricaded themselves inside a home on Oak Bay, in the city's North East end.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), along with Police Dog Services were called in shortly after. However, despite police negotiators' instruction no one exited the home.

It was only when police deployed tear gas that two female residents of the home, aged 25 and 16, exited the structure and were arrested by police.

Two males inside the residence, both 27 years of age, then barricaded themselves further. RCMP ERT eventually forcibly entered the building and arrested the two men.

All four residents were treated for minor injuries that occurred during the course of incident. One male was transported to hospital and has already been released. No police officers were injured.

While the two males remain in custody, the two females have been released from custody and are being treated as witnesses and possibly victims.

As no charges have been laid yet, names have not been provided. However, police say one of the males arrested was a suspect in a stolen vehicle investigation.

"The RCMP thanks the public for their cooperation in staying clear of the area while the events of this morning took place," said Cst. Sean O' Keefe of the Portage la Prairie RCMP. "Public safety is our priority.

The house of Oak Bay in the aftermath of the standoff (photo by Rae Hathaway)

An RCMP Emergency Response Team vehicle still at the scene just prior to 9 a.m. (photo by Matt Hermiz)