A standoff on the evening of Feb. 5, ended peacefully when the suspect surrendered to Hinesville Police Officers.

According to Hinesville Police Department Detective Capt. Tracey Howard the standoff began when officers responded to a 9-1-1 call of shots being fired in the 900 block of Spanish Oak Drive shortly before 6 p.m.

Howard said neighbors observed a man, later identified as Rajiv Laurent, exit his home and fire multiple shots. The witnesses did not say whether Laurent was firing at someone else or in the air or at the home.

After firing a few shots, Laurent entered the home still carrying the gun.

A responding officer also observed Laurent enter the home. The officer asked Laurent to exit the residence and he refused demanding that he and arriving officers leave his property. 

According to Howard the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office tactical team was called to assist. Howard said around the same time Detective Charles Colon was securing a warrant to enter the residence. Prior to SWAT’s arrival Laurent surrendered to Officer Colon.

Howard said they are investigating to see if Laurent may have been involved in a shootout with a person or persons in a vehicle due to the home sustaining bullet hole damage. 

Officers recovered Laurent’s weapon. He was arrested and charged for possessing a weapon by a convicted felon. 

As part of the ongoing investigation area hospitals were notified in case someone showed up suffering from a gunshot injury.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hinesville police department at 368-8211.