Macon Times

MACON, Ga. – A man with a violent criminal past was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison for shooting at federal and local law enforcement officers attempting to take him into custody on felony warrants during an hours-long standoff at a residence located in a Warner Robins, Georgia, neighborhood.

Renaldo Smith, 33, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve a total of 300 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 3. Smith previously 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 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.”

According to documents and statements referenced in court, Smith was wanted on state felony warrants when the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) learned that Smith was located at a residence on Somerset Drive in Warner Robins on Jan. 31, 2023. The USMS Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) attempted to execute a search warrant at the location.

Smith opened the door and quickly shut it; multiple gunshots were rapidly fired from inside the residence as SERFTF team members attempted to enter lawfully. The Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) SWAT team arrived on scene, and the WRPD Hostage Negotiator Team communicated with Smith for hours in an attempt to get him to peacefully stand down and exit the home.

After hours of negotiations, the SWAT team deployed pepper spray into the home, and gunfire was exchanged between Smith and the SWAT team. Smith was taken into custody. Inside the residence, law enforcement recovered a Glock 9mm pistol with a 30-round drum magazine and a rifle.

Smith has been convicted of several prior felonies including robbery by force and possession of methamphetamine.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica L. Daniels prosecuted the case for the Government.