Warner Robins man sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting at police during confrontation – 41NBC News

Renaldo Smith Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Assault on Law Enforcement

MACON, Ga. (41NBC/WMGT) — A Warner Robins man with a violent criminal history has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for shooting at law enforcement officers during a standoff that lasted for hours in early 2023.

Renaldo Smith, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 3, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Smith was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of using a firearm to commit a violent crime. Federal sentences do not carry parole.

“Renaldo Smith endangered the lives of many people when he opened fire on law enforcement officers attempting to safely take him into custody,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These highly trained officers should be commended for their bravery in carrying out their duties and for safely taking the defendant into custody.”

According to documents and statements cited in court, on January 31, 2023, the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) located Smith at a home on Somerset Drive in Warner Robins. Smith, wanted for serious crimes, quickly opened and closed the door before firing several shots at officers who were trying to enter. The Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) SWAT team and Hostage Negotiation Team arrived on scene and negotiated with Smith for hours before deploying pepper spray. An exchange of gunfire ensued and Smith was taken into custody.

Inside the home, authorities recovered a 9mm Glock pistol with a 30-round drum magazine and a rifle.

“This incident highlights the risks these dedicated professionals face every day,” said U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn. “It was a job well done.”

According to the press release, Smith's criminal history includes convictions for robbery with violence and possession of methamphetamine.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community violence prevention, and establishing targeted law enforcement priorities.

The U.S. Marshals Service and WRPD investigated the case, with assistance from the ATF, FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica L. Daniels prosecuted the case.