MACON, GA – A man with a violent criminal past was sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting at federal and local law enforcement officers during a standoff in Warner Robins, Georgia.
Renaldo Smith, 33, of Warner Robins, received a 300-month prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 3. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“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, which includes Deputy U.S. Marshals and specially deputized state and local officers, attempted to execute a search warrant on January 31, 2023, at a residence on Somerset Drive in Warner Robins. Smith, wanted on state felony warrants, opened and quickly shut the door, firing multiple gunshots from inside as officers tried to enter.
The Warner Robins Police Department SWAT team and Hostage Negotiator Team were called to the scene. After hours of negotiations, the SWAT team deployed pepper spray, resulting in an exchange of gunfire before Smith was taken into custody. Inside the residence, officers recovered a Glock 9mm pistol with a 30-round drum magazine and a rifle. Smith has prior felony convictions, including robbery by force and possession of methamphetamine.
U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn commended the officers, stating, “This incident highlights the risks that these dedicated professionals face every day. It was a job well done.”
