Barricaded Giles County Man Sentenced for Shooting at Deputies

A Giles County man who fired on deputies during a standoff in 2023 has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. On May 18, 2023, deputies were sent to William Robbins Jr.’s home in Lynnville after family members expressed concern he might be suicidal. When deputies knocked, gunfire came from inside. Officers attempted contact via a PA system and deployed tear gas before trying to enter. Robbins fired at them, with one bullet striking Deputy Stringer’s ballistic vest and another hitting Deputy Hunter’s shield. Robbins surrendered after Pulaski Police and THP Special Operations intervened.

Robbins, 67, a Navy veteran with no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted second-degree murder. Judge Julie Carrell Heffington imposed a 16-year sentence on November 14, 2025. Assistant District Attorney Kyle Anderson prosecuted the case for the 22nd Judicial District.

District Attorney Brent Cooper said the deputies’ bravery prevented serious injuries or fatalities, and that Robbins was fortunate to survive the encounter.