A man wanted for attempted murder is in the Pasco County jail after a stand-off that forced the evacuation of a New Port Richey motel.
Authorities also had to shutdown a stretch of US 19.
Deputies were looking for Michael Putnam on attempted murder charges.
They said he’s also a known member of the Aryan Brotherhood.
Tuesday morning they got a Crime Stoppers tip that he was staying at the Rodeway Inn.
Putnam locked himself in his room and as negotiations dragged on he still wouldn’t give up.
He even threw a piece of furniture through his motel widow.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office said they had the SWAT team ready after Putnam threatened violence.
“When somebody tells us that they are not coming out that they are going to shoot it out with law enforcement, they are going to die first, that is a very serious situation,” said Capt. Mike Jenkins.
Across the street a group of people, with cell phone cameras rolling, watched it all unfold.
“Curious to see what happens to the gentlemen. Nosy yea,” said Larry Pelota.
Busy US 19 was shut down for a couple of hours during the standoff.
“Traffic is messed up beyond belief right now,” said Ralph Ronzino.
Authorities got Putnam on the phone, but didn’t make much progress.
“He wanted to talk to his family at one point. At another time he was actually sobbing on the phone. At other times he said bring it,” said Jenkins.
The SWAT team didn’t wait much longer, using their armored vehicle to clear the way.
Then they threw tear gas in the room.
Putnam jumped out of the window gasping for air and finally gave up.
Watch Standoff Video Below:
He’s been on the run since last week, when authorities said he shot a woman in the arm during an argument in Hudson.
“I’m certainly glad everyone is alright. I don’t know what to make of it. I haven’t exactly heard the full story” said Ronzino.
The sheriff’s office said a witness told them Putnam was on meth and had a shotgun in the motel room Monday night and actually fired a round.
Whether or not he still had a weapon today is still under investigation.
