16-Hour Standoff At Tampa Rodeway Inn Ends Peacefully

Tampa FL

25 December, 2020

9:43 AM

Description

TAMPA, FL — Tampa police have arrested an armed man who barricaded himself in a motel room and fired on police officers multiple time before surrendering after 16 hours. According to Tampa police, at 3:06 p.m. Thursday, Renardo Bucklon, 44, barricaded himself alone in a room at the Rodeway Inn, 2904 Melburne Blvd., Tampa, following a domestic disturbance that escalated. After evacuating a section of the motel, officers attempted to negotiate with Bucklon. Just after 9 p.m., officers heard a gunshot inside the room. When they got closer to investigate, Bucklon shot at the officers, striking a ballistic shield. The officers did not return fire. No one was injured during the gunfire. Negotiators continued to speak with Bucklon. Just after midnight police released a chemical irritant into the room and Bucklon responded by shooting from inside the room multiple times. The officers, again, did not return fire. Just after 1 a.m., officers made another tactical approach to get an interior view of the room and found Bucklon had barricaded inside the bathroom. Officers pleaded with him to surrender peacefully, however, Bucklon again opened fire on the officers, forcing them to return fire. Officers then took cover and continued negotiations. Bucklon eventually dropped his weapon and surrendered. Bucklon has an extensive criminal history, spanning almost 30 years, with numerous convictions on weapons and drug charges leading to multiple prison terms. Members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provided backup for the Tampa Police Tactical Response officers who were on the scene more than 16 hours. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct the primary investigation into the officer-involved shooting aspect of the event.