Treasure Island SWAT Standoff Ends In Arrest of Fugitives

ST. PETE BEACH, FL -- Two reportedly dangerous fugitives from Allegheny County, North Carolina, are in custody after hiding out in an apartment on Treasure Island since Sunday, Aug. 12.

According to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri during a press conference at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, deputies in Allegheny County attempted to pull over a blue truck driven by Donald Billings, 50, with Alton Smoot, 26, as a passenger on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11:35 p.m. The two men opened fire on deputies using an AR-15 rifle and handguns. Due to the danger, the deputies ceased their pursuit.

In the meantime, the two men, both of whom have lengthy criminal histories, reportedly stole a car and drove to an apartment complex at 9927 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, where a former girlfriend of Billings lives.

The U.S. Marshal's Service alerted the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office of Billings and Smoots location. Deputies arrived Saturday morning, Aug. 18 and arrested Smoot at noon. Witnesses who were able to get out of the apartment told deputies that Billings didn't intend to be taken alive. In addition to the AR-15, he'd made a pipe bomb out of gun powder, pieces of metal and a detonator. He was also armed with a .380-caliber handgun and a machete. He said he was going to save the last round in the AR-15 for himself.

The sheriff's office spent two hours evacuating the apartment complex and surrounding homes due to the potential danger from the pipe bomb and rounds of the AR-15. They also prevented drivers from crossing the Blind Pass Road bridge while the standoff was underway.

In negotiations that spanned hours, Gualtieri said the SWAT team attempted to establish a dialogue with Billings but he refused to talk. They then tried using tear gas to draw him out but Billings remained firmly ensconced in the apartment. Finally, they used flash bangs to force him out.

Shortly after using the flash bangs, the apartment caught fire. Gualtieri isn't sure if Billings started the fire with his homemade bomb or the flash bangs sparked it.

Firefighters extinguished the flames and, when the SWAT team entered, they found Billings on the floor with severe burns on his hands and face. He was airlifted Tampa General Hospital's burn unit for treatment.

Billings faces multiple charges including attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and felony conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder and fleeing and eluding. Smoot also has numerous charges including aggravated assault with a gun.

Gualtieri said the resident of the apartment is not being charged.

"She was cooperative," he said. "She was scared of them."

Video via Pinellas Sheriff

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