A suspect is dead and an Elbert County sheriff's deputy was shot while wearing his armor vest Tuesday morning as deputies served a search warrant. The officer suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

According to law enforcement officials, Elbert County Sheriff's deputies were serving that warrant at the Fitzgerald Apartments at 175 East Spruce Street when that deputy was shot.

“While serving the search warrant, there was an exchange of gunfire between the officers and the resident of the apartment,” said Elizabeth Police Chief Jeff Engel. “An officer was struck in the soft panel of his ballistic vest. The officer suffered minor injuries and was examined by medical staff.”

Engel did not provide details about the search warrant, citing the early stages of the investigation, but said the person in the apartment was dead and that she was alone in the unit. Police officers did not identify the suspect but said he was an adult male.

The deputy was treated at the scene for minor injuries and released.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said its SWAT team was asked to assist with the incident after the shots were fired, but could not provide any further information.

Armored SWAT vehicles were spotted in the area after being brought into the area on flatbed trucks, and fire engines were stationed throughout the area of ​​South Elbert and East Spruce Street.

Residents told CBS News Colorado they knew nothing about what was happening and were simply told to hide in place.

“I heard the police officers say, 'Come out with your hands up,' then I heard a few shots and then they told me to go in the house and provide protection,” Shelly Kliner said. “At first I wasn’t really afraid. Of course now I’m wondering what’s going on, so I still don’t know.”

Elbert County Sheriff Tim Norton said after the shots were fired, a shelter-in-place order was issued and local residents were evacuated.

Norton, who says he has been in law enforcement for 40 years, said incidents like this are truly rare in Elbert County.

“When I first heard it, I couldn't believe it. The deputy who was struck is a very experienced deputy. He is a very strong, level headed person and my heart sank as soon as I heard shots fired “We had a hit” so I wanted to make sure he received the best care and get him from the scene as quickly as possible” said Norton. “Once I heard he was fine and remained at the scene until we had additional resources there – after Douglas County had additional resources, we were able to get him from the scene where he was properly examined.”

Elizabeth is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Denver and 15 miles east of Castle Rock. It has a population of about 1,600 people.