Estimated studying time: 2 minutes
Bay County, Florida — Deputies confronted a life-or-death encounter on September 3 when 45-year-old Justin Chandler Smith pointed a gun at regulation enforcement.
The day started with frantic 911 calls. Residents reported a person with a “rifle” strolling erratically close to Webber Street and Freeway 231. Some thought he aimed it at passing automobiles. Dispatch shortly despatched deputies.
Deputies already knew Smith. The evening earlier than, that they had responded to a harassment and trespassing grievance the place he acted aggressively. This morning, issues escalated.
A deputy noticed Smith carrying a magazine-fed shotgun and a holstered pistol. Physique cam footage exhibits the officer calmly giving instructions. Smith refused. The deputy stated, “Don’t you contact it!” However Smith drew his pistol and opened hearth.
A gunfight erupted. Smith fired six rounds, placing the deputy’s patrol automobile. The deputy fired again seven occasions, hitting Smith. Regardless of being shot, Smith saved pulling the set off till collapsing.
The deputy instantly shifted gears. He began CPR and tried to save lots of the identical man who had simply shot at him. Further deputies arrived and joined lifesaving efforts. Paramedics later pronounced Smith lifeless.
The Florida Division of Legislation Enforcement is now investigating, as required after any officer-involved capturing. Sheriff Tommy Ford stated transparency guided the choice to launch the physique cam video.
“This isn’t for leisure,” Ford careworn. “It’s to indicate the general public what occurred and the split-second choices deputies make to guard strangers.”
Smith’s household has been notified. Sheriff Ford requested the group to hope each for them and for the younger deputy whose actions prevented additional tragedy.
The video exhibits the cruel actuality of policing: one second giving calm instructions, the subsequent preventing for survival. In Bay County, it’s a reminder that deputies stand able to confront hazard — even when it comes all of a sudden, on a roadside in the midst of the morning.
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