Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Firing at Officers During Six-Hour Warner Robins Standoff

A 34-year-old man will spend the next six decades in prison after being convicted of firing at police during a prolonged standoff in 2023.

On Wednesday, June 4, a Houston County jury found Renaldo Rashad Smith guilty on all 12 counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer following a two-hour deliberation. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

The charges stem from a January 2023 incident when Warner Robins Police and U.S. Marshals attempted to serve an arrest warrant to Smith at a home on Somerset Drive. Smith had been evading arrest for two years.

When officers arrived, Smith barricaded himself inside and began firing shots. SWAT and hostage negotiation teams were called in and spent nearly six hours attempting to resolve the situation peacefully.

Authorities eventually deployed two gas canisters into the home. Smith responded by opening fire again. According to court testimony, as Smith approached the door, he raised two firearms and shot at officers. Law enforcement returned fire, striking Smith in the arm.

Multiple shell casings from Smith’s weapons were later recovered, and damage was found on neighboring homes and a Warner Robins Police Department armored vehicle.

Smith was treated for his injuries and taken into custody. He was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lina Khan and sentenced by the Superior Court of Houston County.