Townsville police are locked in a standoff with an armed man who had earlier threatened a neighbour during a dispute.
Officers were called to Clarke St in the suburb of Garbutt about 10.30am on Thursday after reports of the man brandishing a firearm.
The man, believed to be about 30 years-old, had a previous warrant out for his arrest in relation to property offences.
Inspector Roger White said police negotiators are yet to make contact with the armed man, who is holed up in a Clarke St home.
A second man was taken into custody at 11am and is assisting police with their investigation.
"Our role and our job here is to investigate and seek an amicable resolution to the current dilemma that is unfolding," he said.
"And that is the allegations he was armed with a concealable firearm and threatened the neighbour.
"These are allegations so, whether or not it's conceivable firearm or a toy weapon we're unsure, it hasn't been made clear."
The public have been instructed to avoid the area.
Australian Associated Press