Traffic Stop Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting

TYLER — A suspect has been hospitalized following an officer-involved shooting in Smith County. Sheriff Larry Smith says around 12:35 Saturday morning, a patrol deputy made a traffic stop on CR 35 (Lavender Road) for driving on the wrong side of the road. The suspect exited the vehicle and a short time later was told by the officer he was being detained. At that time the suspect turned, swung at, and hit the officer, according to Smith. The sheriff says the suspect then tried to run and a Taser was used two times in a short period of time. On both occasions the suspect is said to have pulled the Taser barbs out and thrown them down.

Smith reports that the suspect ran, throwing down what is suspected to be methamphetamine. The deputy pursued the suspect on foot. The suspect reportedly turned and charged the deputy, taking the officer to the ground. The suspect tried to take the deputy’s firearm, according to Smith. The sheriff says the deputy was able to turn away from the suspect and draw a firearm, firing two shots and striking the suspect both times. Tyler police officers, Parks and Wildlife personnel, and additional sheriff’s deputies arrived a short time later. The suspect was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and was in surgery at last report.

The Texas Rangers were notified and asked to investigate this matter, as this is standard protocol for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office subsequent to an officer-involved shooting. Smith reports that the deputy is doing well and has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is also protocol of the sheriff’s office when it is involved in a shooting incident. Smith said the identity of the suspect will be made available once he is officially charged. He is a white male in his mid-fifties with a Larue, Texas address. Smith added no additional information will be provided until that time.