Benicia Man Surrenders After 8-Hour Standoff: Police

BENICIA, CA — A Benicia man who was arrested Thursday night following an hours-long standoff with police, hostage negotiators and SWAT team members was the same person accused in a bomb scare April 5 that prompted the closure of the Benicia Bridge, police said in a news release.

Rodney Brinkerhoff, 54, agreed to peacefully surrender at about 11:20 p.m. Thursday after he called police around 3 p.m. claiming that he was armed and was threatening to harm a relative who lives with him at a residence in the 300 block of East H Street, according to Benicia Police Department Spokeswoman Irma Widjojo.

Police closed streets in the area surrounding the 300 block of East H Street for public and officer safety.

"Immediate neighbors were also evacuated as precaution, and area residents were asked to stay inside," Widjojo said in a news release.

At about 8 p.m. Thursday, those who did not live in the immediate vicinity of Brinkerhoff's home were escorted home individually by police.

However, Benicia police, Solano County Sheriff’s Office and FBI negotiators continued talking with Brinkerhoff on the phone.

"At about 11:20 p.m., the suspect agreed to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody," Widjojo said. "Inside the residence, multiple firearms — a few loaded — as well as ammunition were recovered. They were removed from the home as evidence. At the time of this release, it is unknown if the firearms are registered to the suspect."

A relative was located inside the residence and not injured, according to police.

"The assistance from the FBI, as well as the Solano County Sheriff’s Department Regional SWAT, Hostage Negotiation, and Crisis Negotiation teams were greatly appreciated by the Benicia Police Department," Widjojo said. "The great partnership ensured this potentially dangerous situation ended peacefully."

"The Benicia Police Department also would like to thank the residents affected by this unfortunate incident for their patience and understanding," she said.

Widjojo noted that Brinkerhoff was out on bail after being arrested on suspicion of charges related to the April 5 bridge incident.

"Brinkerhoff was arrested earlier this month by the California Highway Patrol after closing the Benicia Bridge to traffic for an extended period of time due to a bomb and suicide threat," Widjojo said. "No bombs were located by officials."

Following Thursday's incident, police said Brinkerhoff was booked into Solano County jail on suspicion of felony false imprisonment of an elderly person, felony harm to an elderly person, felony terrorist threats, felony bail violation, misdemeanor damage of a wireless phone, misdemeanor dependent adult cruelty and misdemeanor resisting/obstructing justice.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Hostage Negotiators, SWAT Respond In Benicia Standoff: Police
• Benicia Bridge Closed When Man Calls 911, Says He Has Bomb: CHP