Liquor store standoff in Valrico ends peacefully

Monday, October 5, 2009

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Negotiators convinced King to come to the door. They then used a Taser on him. Watch the story Watch Video

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A standoff situation in Valrico ended peacefully Sunday afternoon.

According to authorities, an armed man went into AJ's Fine Wine & Liquor located at 3451 Lithia Pinecrest Road shortly before 1 p.m.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says 29-year-old Royal Henry King entered the store with a small gun, told the clerk to get out and locked the doors.

Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies and the SWAT team responded to the store.

The sheriff's office says King fired nine rounds while inside.

SWAT team members evacuated nearby shops, including a Publix.

After about two hours of negotiations, authorities were able to get King to come to the door. They used a Taser on him and arrested him.

The sheriff's office says two firearms were found in the man's waistband.

King was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. The sheriff's office says felony charges are pending.

The clerk working at the store didn't want to go on camera. But she said once she ran out of the store the suspect slipped a note under the door that said 'do not resuscitate.'

Based on information from King, authorities say they believe domestic issues may have led to the incident.