Florence Police Apprehend Armed Felon After Early Morning Rifle Shots And Apartment Standoff

Vincent Anthony Pitts faces multiple charges after firing a rifle and barricading himself in a Florence apartment during an early morning standoff.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 1:13 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WMBF News

Emergency Response To Early Morning Gunfire In Florence

The Florence Police Department mobilized its patrol division in the pre-dawn hours of Friday following reports of active gunfire. At approximately 3:00 am, officers arrived at the 400 block of 3rd Loop Road, where the sound of shots had alerted nearby residents. Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered a chaotic scene that quickly transitioned from a shots fired call to a high stakes confrontation with an armed individual.

Tactical Standoff With Rifle Armed Suspect On 3rd Loop Road

During the initial sweep of the area, officers identified a male suspect, later identified as Vincent Anthony Pitts, who was openly carrying a rifle. According to police reports, the responding units issued loud verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapon and show his hands. Rather than complying with these orders, the suspect fled from the immediate vicinity and retreated into a nearby apartment, initiating a brief but tense barricade situation.

Coordinated Perimeter Forces Surrender Without Further Violence

Law enforcement acted quickly to contain the threat by establishing a tight perimeter around the apartment complex. With the building surrounded and specialized units in place, the pressure from the police presence eventually compelled the suspect to exit the home. The standoff concluded without any additional shots being fired or reported injuries, a result that authorities attribute to the rapid deployment of officers and the clear communication maintained throughout the tactical operation.