A police officer in west central Florida shot and killed a suspect Saturday who tried to drag him away with his car, video released Sunday showed.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Chief Deputy Jeffrey Harrington told reporters that the deputy was on patrol about 5:30 p.m. about a week earlier when he was involved in an “assault by strangulation attack.” He said he had identified a suspect who was wanted in the area. , Published video showed that. The suspect also reportedly had an “extensive criminal history, including multiple felonies of assault against law enforcement.”
Officers were seen attempting to strike up a conversation with the suspect at the 7-Eleven store.
“Hey, Paul!” the officer called repeatedly to the suspect, who initially didn’t seem to hear him even though he was within earshot.
“Can you please get out of the car? Get out of the car, now,” the officer said.
“What, what happened? What happened?” the suspect asked.
“Please get out of the car.”
“What’s going on?” the suspect asked again before taking out the car keys and driving away. Video showed that a scuffle appeared to break out between the two as the car drove away.
“Get out of the car now! Get out of the car right now!” the officer repeatedly ordered. According to the video, the officer pulled out a Taser, deployed it, and placed it against the suspect’s back and neck while giving commands to the suspect.
However, the suspect continued driving. The policeman drew his gun.
“Stop your car or you’ll get shot!” the officer repeated. A gunshot rang out and the suspect let out a groan.
“What are you doing? Get out of the car!” the officer said. “Please get out of the car!”
The video showed the suspect slumped into the passenger seat.
“The deputy, therefore, fearing for his life and seeing no other option, was forced to shoot the suspect, which resulted in the suspect dying from his wounds,” Harrington said. he told reporters. He also said the officer acted in self-defense, was being evaluated for injuries and would be placed on leave. (Related: Video program in which police crack down on a “serious violent criminal” who fired at a police officer as he tried to flee)
The suspect was later identified as Paul Smith, 40, according to the Tampa Bay Times. report. His deputy was reportedly identified as Christopher Howell.
According to reports, PCSO officers pulled Smith from hiding in a swamp in 2018. Another PCSO video. According to PCSO, the man fled into a marsh after nearly hitting an officer during a police car chase. He is also suspected of violating his probation, according to PCSO. He later served three years in state prison, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
“None of this needed to happen,” Harrington told reporters. He added:[l]ife is all about decisions…the deputy sheriff has decided to go home tonight. ”
