Prosecutors Seek No Bail for Standoff Suspect
A 49-year-old Kauai resident, Robert Melvin Morris, is facing serious legal charges following an intense 16-hour standoff with law enforcement on October 21. He allegedly shot a federal officer during the incident and is currently hospitalized. Morris is charged with multiple offenses, including assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Federal court records reveal that Morris is accused of:
- Assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
- Using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
- Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Morris will make his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader. This appearance has been postponed twice due to health issues. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.
Prosecutors Seek No Bail
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a motion to keep Morris in custody without bail at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu. They argue that he poses both a flight risk and a threat to the community if released before trial.
The Standoff Incident
On October 21, at approximately 9 a.m., agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, supported by Honolulu Police and state Sheriff’s deputies, executed a federal search warrant at Morris’s residence on Herbert Street in Kapahulu. During this operation, Morris allegedly fired multiple rounds at law enforcement, striking a Sheriff’s deputy.
The standoff, which lasted nearly a full day, led to street closures and the displacement of nearby residents. Although law enforcement returned fire, Morris was not injured. He gained significant attention through a Facebook livestream, where he discussed his involvement in drug trafficking and indicated he would surrender.
Details of Surrender
Morris surrendered to authorities on October 22, just before 1 a.m. Once in custody, he reportedly confessed to firing the round that hit the deputy, utilizing a .40 caliber handgun. Additionally, he acknowledged his status as a convicted felon, making his possession of a firearm illegal.
Prior Convictions and Consequences
Morris’s criminal history includes several serious convictions from February 17, 2009, which prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition. These offenses include:
- Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
- Possession of an unregistered silencer.
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Under federal law, Morris now faces significant penalties:
- Up to 20 years in prison for assaulting a federal officer.
- 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- A mandatory minimum of 25 years to a maximum of life for using a firearm in a violent crime.
The upcoming proceedings in this case will determine the fate of Robert Melvin Morris as he faces multiple serious charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
