Paul Smith Obituary, Death – The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reported that a deputy shot and killed a man in Pasco County on Saturday. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when the deputy recognized the individual, identified as 40-year-old Paul Smith, as a suspect in a battery by strangulation case. Additionally, the sheriff’s office stated that Smith had a significant criminal history involving violence.
Upon approaching Smith’s vehicle, the deputy requested him to exit the car. However, Smith refused to comply, leading to a confrontation. As Smith attempted to flee the scene recklessly, the deputy clung to the open car door.
Despite repeated commands from the officer to stop the vehicle, Smith persisted in driving recklessly. Consequently, the deputy resorted to deploying his taser. Nevertheless, Smith continued to drive dangerously, prompting the deputy to warn him that he would shoot if he did not stop the car. When Smith failed to comply with the deputy’s demands, the officer fired his weapon, resulting in Smith’s death.
Following the incident, the deputy promptly halted the vehicle and provided immediate medical assistance to Smith. Unfortunately, Smith succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Smith was positively identified and wanted for domestic battery by strangulation. As per standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an investigation into the shooting involving the deputy. The investigation is currently ongoing.