Updated

A suspect in a fatal shooting in western Japan has holed up at an apartment in an armed standoff after he fired at a police car and escaped.

Wakayama police said Wednesday that Yasuhide Mizobata is wanted as a prime suspect in the shooting Monday at a small construction company, where he allegedly killed one employee and injured three others.

Mizobata had been at large since Tuesday night when police spotted him near the murder site and almost caught him. He fired four shots at the police car, shattering its windows and escaped. Nobody was injured in the shooting.

Mizobata was seen carrying a handgun in each hand while pacing on an apartment balcony. He isn't believed to be holding any hostage.

Gun crimes are rare in Japan.