A bomb squad robot became the hero of a high-stakes standoff in Lubbock, Texas, this week after it neutralized an armed suspect and helped bring the tense situation to a peaceful end. The suspect, Felix Delarosa, 39, was wanted for violating parole and was tracked down to a Days Inn hotel.
Delarosa, who had been released on parole in 2022 after serving time for drug-related offenses, fired shots at officers when they tried to approach his room. The Texas Anti-Gang unit quickly called in the Lubbock County Sheriff’s SWAT team to handle the dangerous standoff. Negotiators attempted to persuade Delarosa to surrender, but he responded with gunfire.
During the standoff, a sheriff’s sniper reportedly hit Delarosa, after which law enforcement decided to send in a bomb squad robot. The robot approached the room and was shot at by Delarosa, but it remained undeterred. In response, the robot released tear gas into the room, forcing the suspect to emerge in a dazed state.
The robot then pinned Delarosa to the ground, allowing SWAT officers to move in for the arrest. Remarkably, while the robot immobilized Delarosa, it also managed to pull down his pants, which further immobilized him and provided a strange twist to the incident.
Delarosa was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries before being booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center. He now faces charges of aggravated assault against a public servant, adding to his previous legal troubles.
The bomb squad robot’s successful intervention showcased how advanced technology can assist police in handling dangerous situations without risking lives.
