Standoff Underway with Attempted Murder Suspect

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.:

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 Information:

BROOKSVILLE - Earlier this afternoon, Detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant on suspect at a residence on Maripoe Road. The suspect, who officials say is wanted for Attempted Murder, armed himself with a handgun and barricaded himself in the residence.

SWAT teams from both Hernando and Citrus Counties are on scene and officials are attempting to negotiate with the suspect.

It has been almost six hours since the standoff began.

Sheriff Nienhuis was not able to provide any details during a press conference.

We will bring more on this as it develops.