Harrowing police body camera video shows the moment a Florida man with a violent criminal history was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy. The policeman held on to the runaway car as the suspect made a desperate attempt to escape.
Around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Howell approached 40-year-old Paul Smith’s car as it was parked at a 7-Eleven in Hudson, Florida, about 40 miles north of Tampa. Ta. Smith has a violent criminal history and was reportedly involved in a violent strangulation incident.
Police body camera footage shows Smith looking confused as a sheriff’s deputy asks him to get out of the car.
Smith asked the officer, “What’s going on? What’s the problem?”
Smith then frantically started the car using his car keys and sped away.
Lt. Howell ordered Smith to exit the vehicle multiple times, but the suspect continued to flee the scene. Howell tried to pull Smith out of the car, but was unable to do so.
Mr. Smith was able to start the car and drove off, leaving Mr. Howell hanging from the open door.
Officers attempted to subdue the suspect on the back and neck several times using a stun gun, but were unable to stop Smith.
In the body camera video, the car’s tires can be heard screeching and the engine revving as Smith desperately tries to escape.
Howell warned the suspect, “You’re going to get shot!”
Howell warned Smith five times, telling him, “If you don’t stop your car, you’re going to get shot.”
The suspect did not respond, and the officer shot Smith in the back.
Smith was seen on video losing consciousness and slumped into the passenger seat.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said Howell was able to gain control of the vehicle. He allegedly gave first aid to Smith, but he died from his gunshot wounds.
of tampa bay times According to the report, “Pasco records show Paul Smith has multiple convictions in the county, including assault and drug charges.” He was convicted of fleeing an enforcement agency, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and hit-and-run, and served three years in state prison.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating to determine whether the shooting was justified.
Capt. Jeff Harrington, a spokesman for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, defended Howell’s actions as necessary.
Warning: Graphic content
Pasco deputy shoots man to death after scuffle inside car, video showswww.youtube.com
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