Suspect Shot by Deputies After Long Standoff, Made Statements of Suicide by Cop

UPDATE:

BROOKSVILLE – Officials have confirmed that the suspect, 50-year-old James B. Hines, was shot when deputies attempted to enter his residence on Maripoe Road.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said during a press conference that Hernando and Citrus County Deputies were trying to make entry through a window when they noticed the suspect lying on the floor. Deputies deployed less than lethal, which prompted the suspect to fire at deputies with a long gun. Deputies from both counties returned fire, striking Hines numerous times.

Hines was airlifted to a trauma center but his condition at this time is not known.

Nienhuis explained that the original charge stemmed from a house fire that occurred around 3:00 am this morning. Nienhuis says Hines' ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend were in the residence when he set the house on fire. Both occupants were able to escape without injuries but the house was a complete loss.

Hines has a long history of arrests involving violent crimes and has made several statements about committing suicide by cop.

We will bring more details as they develop.

ORIGINAL REPORT: https://www.rnews.news/story/2023/07/05/news/standoff-underway-with-attempted-murder-suspect/400.html