Deputies say a Riverview man with 54 prior convictions is back behind bars after a gun turned up in his bedroom following a barricaded-subject call on Feb. 9. The incident unfolded in the 12900 block of Gordon Road, where investigators later secured a residential search warrant. Authorities say the man was eventually taken into custody without incident and now faces charges tied to the firearm.
According to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to the home at 9:28 p.m. on Feb. 9 and identified the suspect as 54-year-old Kenneth Allan Smith. Detectives say that on Feb. 10 they learned there were firearms inside Smith's bedroom, obtained a residential search warrant, and had the HCSO Gang Unit watching the residence. Investigators report that Smith was observed leaving the home and was arrested without incident. Smith is facing one count of resisting without violence and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to West Orlando News.
Local reporting adds that deputies say Smith called a witness during the incident and made several threats, and that his criminal record includes multiple battery convictions along with a prior sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As reported by West Orlando News, the sheriff's office framed the arrest as part of a broader push to keep guns away from people with violent histories.
What officials said
“Individuals with extensive violent criminal histories who continue to disregard the law will be held accountable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said, noting that deputies moved quickly to ensure Smith no longer had access to a firearm. The sheriff's comments appear in the agency's written account of the case, which it says is still under active investigation, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Charges and next steps
Smith is currently charged with resisting without violence and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains ongoing and that more details could be released as the case moves forward. The HCSO Public Affairs Office plans to provide updates to the media, according to West Orlando News.
What the law says
Florida law bars convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms. Violations of that rule under Fla. Stat. 790.23 are generally charged as second-degree felonies, with the potential for tougher penalties when repeat offenders are involved. For the statute's full language and potential penalties, see Fla. Stat. 790.23.
