Eric Smith of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol explains how he opened fire at a fleeing vehicle on I-40
By: Pottawatomie County, OK - Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Smith fumbled with his handgun and the cord used to deploy a set of spike strips alongside Interstate 40 near McLoud as an eluding driver approached.
His partner trained his rifle on the fleeing SUV in the morning light. It was around 8:50 a.m., and the roadway was active with other motorists.
With one hand, Smith tugged the spike strips into the westbound lanes in an attempt to puncture the tires of the fleeing vehicle.
Smith then dropped the cord to bring his second hand onto his firearm and shoot four times at the Chevrolet Tahoe — innocent people driving by in the background — as the SUV swerved away from Smith to try to avoid the spikes.
Trooper Matthew Snyder, who aimed the rifle, didn't fire.
OHP suspended Smith for one workday without pay, which was the minimum presumptive discipline for his level of conduct, according to the Jan. 8, 2024, disciplinary letter.