A man from Giles County has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a standoff with law enforcement that occurred in 2023. The incident unfolded on May 18, when deputies were dispatched to the residence of William Robbins Jr. in Lynnville. Family members had raised alarms about Robbins’ mental state, fearing he might be contemplating suicide. Upon the deputies’ arrival and their attempt to make contact, gunfire erupted from within the home.
In response to the situation, officers utilized a public address system to try to communicate with Robbins and subsequently deployed tear gas in an effort to gain entry. However, Robbins retaliated by firing at the deputies, with one bullet striking Deputy Stringer’s ballistic vest and another hitting Deputy Hunter’s shield. The standoff concluded when Robbins surrendered, following the intervention of Pulaski Police and the Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations team.
Robbins, who is 67 years old and a Navy veteran with no previous criminal history, ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted second-degree murder. On November 14, 2025, Judge Julie Carrell Heffington handed down the 16-year prison sentence. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Kyle Anderson, representing the 22nd Judicial District.
District Attorney Brent Cooper commended the deputies for their courage during the incident, emphasizing that their actions were crucial in preventing serious injuries or fatalities. He also noted that Robbins was fortunate to have survived the encounter.
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