Benicia residents evacuated after man threatens to harm family member

Release updated on April 19 at 12:39 a.m.

Benicia — At about 3 p.m. on April 18, 2019, Thursday, the Benicia Police Department received a call from a resident claiming that he was armed and was threatening to harm a relative, who lives with him.

The Benicia Police Department requested the deployment of the Solano County Sheriff’s Department Regional SWAT team, of which Benicia police officers are members of, and closed streets around the area of the residence in the 300 block of East H Street for the public and officer safety. Immediate neighbors were also evacuated as precaution, and area residents were asked to stay inside. At about 8 p.m., those who did not live in the immediate vicinity of the suspect’s home were escorted home individually.

Benicia police, Solano County Sheriff’s Office and FBI negotiators talked with the suspect on the phone. At about 11:20 p.m., the suspect agreed to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody. Inside the residence, multiple firearms – a few loaded – as well as ammunition were recovered. They were removed from the home as evidence. At the time of this release, it is unknown if the firearms are registered to the suspect.

The relative who was inside the residence with him was located uninjured.

Arrested was Rodney Brinkerhoff, 54, of Benicia. Brinkerhoff was arrested earlier this month by the California Highway Patrol after closing the Benicia Bridge to traffic for an extended period of
time due to a bomb and suicide threat. No bombs were located by officials. He was out on bail at the time of this incident.

The assistance from the FBI, as well as the Solano County Sheriff’s Department Regional SWAT, Hostage Negotiation, and Crisis Negotiation teams were greatly appreciated by the Benicia Police Department. The great partnership ensured this potentially dangerous situation ended peacefully.

The Benicia Police Department also would like to thank the residents affected by this unfortunate incident for their patience and understanding.

At this time no more information will be released. Updates to follow.