Pasco County, Florida – The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has released new bodycam footage providing insight into the events that led to a deputy opening fire on a suspect on Saturday evening.
According to official reports, the incident unfolded when a deputy, stationed at a 7-Eleven in Hudson, identified a man in an SUV as Paul Smith, linked to a case of battery-by-strangulation. Smith, who was recognized to have an extensive and violent criminal record, was approached by the deputy.
The bodycam recording captured the deputy’s request for Smith to exit the vehicle. Instead of complying, Smith proceeded to sit in the driver’s seat, questioning the purpose of the interaction.
As Smith attempted to drive off, the deputy intervened, resulting in a struggle that led to the suspect accelerating with the deputy holding onto the vehicle.
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Repeatedly instructing Smith to exit the car, the deputy resorted to the use of a taser without success. Despite warnings and commands from law enforcement, the suspect continued to drive erratically, prompting the deputy to draw his weapon and warn of the consequences if the suspect failed to stop.
In the tense encounter, the suspect demanded the deputy to release him, exacerbating the confrontation.
Following the deputy’s action, a gunshot was fired, striking Smith in the back. The suspect expressed shock and disbelief at the unfolding events.
Despite the efforts to halt the vehicle and administer emergency aid to Smith, the sheriff’s office confirmed that the suspect succumbed to the injuries sustained during the altercation.
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