The Pasco Sheriff’s Office provided an update. It released the body-worn camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon in the Hudson area of US-19 and New York Avenue.
Around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, a Pasco Sheriff’s deputy recognized the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Paul Smith, as being wanted in a battery by strangulation case, in addition to Smith having a significant criminal history of violence.
The deputy instructed Smith to leave the car, but refused to comply. Instead, Smith started to speed and drive recklessly away with the deputy hanging from the open door of the car. The deputy instructed Smith to stop multiple times before the deputy deployed his taser.
After the deployment of the taser, the deputy warned Smith he would shoot if he did not stop the car. Smith continued to drive recklessly, ignoring the additional commands, and the deputy then shot Smith. Following the shooting, the deputy was able to stop the vehicle and immediately rendered aid to Smith. However, as a result of his injuries, Smith is deceased.
As per standard protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting. The investigation remains ongoing. No further updates are available at this time.
Video of press conference held Saturday evening