Tampa Police Take Barricaded Subject Into Custody After Hours of Negotiation

On September 10, 2024, the Tampa Police Department engaged in hours of negotiation to resolve a barricaded subject situation involving 64-year-old Robert Kelley, who had threatened a utility worker while armed. Officers responded quickly, but Kelley retreated into his home after the incident. With the situation escalating, the police evacuated nearby homes for safety and called in the SWAT team and hostage negotiators to assist. Despite attempts to persuade him to come out peacefully, Kelley, a military veteran with reported PTSD, remained uncooperative. As the standoff continued for several hours, officers eventually decided to execute a court-ordered warrant.

They deployed CS gas into the residence to prompt his surrender, followed by the use of a taser when he exited the home. Chief Lee Bercaw praised the officers for their dedication and commitment to public safety throughout the tense situation. Kelley is now facing charges of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, with further investigations ongoing.