Two Bismarck teenagers surrendered peacefully Wednesday morning after holing up in a downtown home for more than five hours.

Bismarck police went to 208 West Ave. D at 3 a.m. when three men reported that an 18-year-old resident fired a shotgun in their direction. The three were there for an apparent party that allegedly included alcohol and underage drinking, Bismarck Police Lt. Dan Donlin said.

The victims told police that there was a fight at the house, but Donlin didn't know the cause or who was involved. He said the 18-year-old fired the shotgun into a stack of books on the living room sofa when other attempts to break up the fight failed.

The shotgun blast didn't injure anyone and it ended the brawl. Donlin said the gunman told partygoers to leave, and he and a 19-year-old man remained. It appeared the 19-year-old had been staying at the house, Donlin said.

The teenagers refused to come out when authorities arrived. Negotiators tried to contact the pair by telephone, but they wouldn't answer. A "throw phone" was tossed through a window, but they ignored that, too.

The West Dakota SWAT team arrived at about 6 a.m. The tactical team, with members from departments in Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County and Morton County, were already gathered for training exercises Wednesday morning.

More than 15 men in camouflage, wearing bullet-proof vests and helmets and carrying semi-automatic rifles, had taken up positions around the house at about 8:45 a.m. when the teenagers surrendered. Patrol officers were standing guard on nearby streets to keep motorists from coming within a block of the standoff. The Bismarck Fire Department and Metro Area Ambulance also assisted. The state penitentiary provided a heated mobile home that authorities used as a command post and negotiation center.

The teenagers came out of the house peacefully, with their hands in the air, and obeyed the commands of the SWAT team members. Donlin said the men told authorities that they didn't come out right away because they were afraid they would be arrested for minors in possession of alcohol.

Donlin said they likely will be charged with minors in possession and other charges. The 18-year-old also may face felony charges for reckless endangerment or terrorizing and discharging a firearm within city limits. The 19-year-old may be charged with hindering law enforcement.

A search of the residence turned up the shotgun and evidence of a shotgun blast, Donlin said. Detectives also noticed numerous beer cans strewn about the house.

Burleigh County State's Attorney Richard Riha said they are waiting for police reports and will decide today whether the teenagers will face criminal charges. Their names will be released at that time. The men are being held in the Burleigh County jail.

(Reach reporter Mike Albrecht at 250-8261 or cops@ndonline.com.)