PENSACOLA, FL – A five-hour hostage standoff in the 4700 block of Helton Lane, northwest of Pensacola, Florida, ended after a single shot from an Escambia County deputy killed the hostage-taker.
Ronnie Clark, a 53-year-old career criminal, held a woman at knifepoint after law enforcement officers arrived with warrants for his arrest on methamphetamine-related charges in both Florida and Alabama. Clark had 58 previous felony convictions and was classified as a violent “felony offender of special concern” in Florida.
After failed attempts to negotiate and deploy tear gas, Clark attempted to leave the scene in a vehicle with the hostage. As he held a knife to the woman’s throat, an Escambia County SWAT team member fired one shot, killing Clark.
The bullet may have gone through Clark and struck the hostage, who was taken to the hospital. The sheriff’s office stated that Clark was overheard making phone calls indicating he had a firearm.