Published 8 months ago
This bodycam footage, provided by Florida's Pasco County Sheriff's Office, shows an incredbly intense arrest that goes awry when the suspect takes off in his vehicle with the Sheriff's Deputy hanging halfway out of the vehicle. He refuses to stop the car despite repeated warnings and the Deputy is forced to shoot him. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Deputy made contact with the person because he fit the description of, and was later identified as, 40-year-old Paul Smith, who was wanted for battery by strangulation. The Sheriff's Office also noted that Smith had an extensive criminal history, which included battery on a LEO. When the Deputy made contact, Smith "got violent" according to the report, and then tried to flee by getting in his vehicle. He then began to drive, with the Deputy hanging halfway out. Bystanding witnesses saw Smith driving recklessly with the Deputy's legs hanging out of the car.
As shown at 0:39, the Deputy drive-stunned Smith several times. Drive-stunning is a TASER technique used to cause pain compliance and muscle lock-up without deploying its darts. Despite this and several commands to get out of the car, Smith continued to drive. The Deputy warned Smith that he would be shot if he did not stop and get out of the car. When Smith failed to do so, he was hit with one round- shown here at 01:14.
Although not shown here, the Deputy then rendered aid, but Smith later died at an area hospital. "Life is about decisions," said Pasco County Sheriff Colonel Jeff Harrington.
About the Author
Cole Simms
Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.
Need a tried-and-tested fixed blade that's trusted by police, military and protective service users all over the world? Cole recommends Ironside Edge Works for your tactical or EDC blade needs.
This video has been flagged by our users, and contains mature content. Log in or create an account to verify that you are 18+