A deputy-involved shooting in Hudson resulted in the death of one man and the hospitalization of a Pasco County deputy on Saturday night.
The incident unfolded around 5:30 p.m. when the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Paul Smith, an adult white man, was at the 7-Eleven gas station located at the intersection of US 19 and New York Ave, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy, who was on patrol, recognized Smith, who had been wanted for battery by strangulation for approximately a week and had a significant criminal history. In 2019, Smith was arrested in Hernando County for battery on a law enforcement officer, escape, and resisting an officer with violence.
Upon approaching Smith, the deputy encountered resistance, prompting Smith to become violent. Subsequently, Smith attempted to flee by getting into his car, prompting the deputy to reach inside the vehicle in an effort to stop him.
During the altercation, the deputy deployed a taser multiple times to halt Smith’s attempt to escape. Witnesses reported seeing Smith driving away from the gas station with the deputy’s legs protruding from the car window.
Bodycam footage captured the deputy instructing Smith to stop the car, warning him of the consequences if he failed to comply.
Following Smith’s refusal to stop, the deputy discharged an unspecified number of rounds at Smith before administering life-saving measures.
Smith was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The deputy sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital on Saturday night.
To facilitate the investigation, all lanes of US 19 between New York Ave and Bolton Ave were closed for several hours.
As per standard protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will conduct an investigation into the deputy-involved shooting. The involved deputy has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with FDLE guidelines.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Press Release Re: Paul Smith Shooting
Deputy Involved Shooting, Hudson
Community Alert
CLICK HERE FOR NEWS CONFERENCE & BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE
Update: Mar. 17, 9:00 a.m.: Pasco Sheriff’s Office is providing an update on a deputy-involved shooting which occurred Mar. 16 in the New York Ave. area of Hudson.
Around 5:30 p.m., a Pasco sheriff’s deputy recognized the suspect, identified as Paul Smith (DOB: 01/04/1984), 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 get out of the car and he did not 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 immediatley rendered aid to Smith. However, as a result of his injuries Smith is deceased.
As per PSO’s 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.
A link to the news conference is available on this page as well as PSO’s Facebook page.
Original Alert, Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Pasco Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a deputy involved shooting at US 19 and New York Ave. All lanes of US 19 between New York Ave. and Bolton Ave. are shut down for the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates an adult white male is deceased after an altercation with deputies. No deputies are injured and there is no public safety threat as all parties are accounted for. An update will be provided when available.
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