Warner Robins Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Shooting at Officers in Stand-off
Renaldo Smith, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 25 years in federal prison for shooting at federal and local law enforcement officers during an hours-long stand-off at a residence in a Warner Robins neighborhood. Smith, who has a history of violent offenses including robbery and drug possession, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“Renaldo Smith put the lives of many people at risk when he opened fire on law enforcement officers attempting to take him safely into custody,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These highly trained officers are to be commended for their display of bravery in the line of duty and for safely bringing the defendant into custody.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force is composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals and specially deputized and highly trained state and local officers whose primary mission is to arrest violent state and local fugitives. This is dangerous work that keeps our communities safe,” said U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn. “This incident highlights the risks that these dedicated professionals face every day. It was a job well done.”
The incident occurred on January 31, 2023, when the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force attempted to execute a search warrant at Smith’s residence on Somerset Drive. Upon their arrival, Smith opened fire from inside the house, prompting a response from the Warner Robins Police Department SWAT team. Negotiations ensued for hours, during which Smith continued to resist arrest.
After attempts to peacefully resolve the situation, law enforcement deployed pepper spray into the residence. Gunfire was exchanged between Smith and the SWAT team before he was eventually apprehended. Inside the residence, authorities recovered a Glock 9mm pistol with a 30-round drum magazine and a rifle.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Warner Robins Police Department, and assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
