Deputies received an alert from license plate readers about a stolen Ford F350, reported stolen out of Osceola County on Oct. 19, that was hauling lumber.
Through surveillance, investigative efforts, and use of the department’s real time crime center, suspect Keith Rodgers, 37, was identified after purchasing the lumber at the Sebastian Home Depot, still using the stolen vehicle. The stolen truck was found parked in the driveway of a home, and the suspect was seen unloading wood.
But he fled into the residence upon seeing law enforcement.
Rodgers barricaded himself in the house and refused to respond to verbal commands.
The sheriff’s department said that due to his extensive criminal history and previous statements that he would get into a shootout before going back to jail, SWAT and Crisis Negotiators were deployed. It was believed that he was hiding in the attic.