WHITEHALL, Ohio -- A gunman barricaded himself in an office building Wednesday, holding at least one person hostage, authorities said.

Police released little information about the standoff at the Safe Auto Insurance Co. office in suburban Columbus, including how many shots had been fired and whether anyone was hurt.

Employees who were at the scene said the situation began when a male employee's job was terminated, WCMH reported.

A witness, Joe Summers, said he was standing outside the building about 4 p.m. when he saw a man inside fire a pistol at a woman from a few feet away. He said he immediately ran and wasn't sure whether the woman had been hit.

Police negotiators continued to talk to the gunman late Wednesday night.

The office is the corporate headquarters of Safe Auto, according to the company's Web site. The company sells car insurance in 11 states.

Safe Auto officials could not be reached for comment. A customer service agent said she did not know how to get in touch with a spokesperson, and the telephone system at the Whitehall office does not accept messages.

WCMH reported the man committed suicide after releasing his female hostage.