Bodycam video shows moment Pasco deputy fatally shot suspect while dangling from SUV
By: The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office released new bodycam video showing the events leading up to a deputy shooting a suspect Saturday evening.
The sheriff’s office said a deputy was at a 7-Eleven in Hudson when he recognized a man at an SUV as Paul Smith, a suspect in battery-by-strangulation case. According to authorities, Smith had an extensive, violent criminal history.
Body cam video showed the deputy approach the vehicle and ask Smith to step out of the car. Instead, Smith got in the driver’s seat and asked what was going on.
When Smith tried to put the car in drive, the deputy then grabbed onto the suspect, only for the suspect to speed off with the deputy dangling from the SUV.
“Get out of the f—— car now!” the deputy shouted numerous times while tazing Smith.
However, Smith kept driving and ignoring the deputy’s commands, so the deputy pulled out his gun and threatened to shoot the suspect if he did not stop the SUV.
The suspect then told the deputy to get out.
“Let go of me,” Smith said.
“Stop the car, or you’re gonna get shot,” the deputy responded.
Eventually, the deputy fired his weapon, shooting Smith in the back.
“Ah! What are you doing?!” the suspect shouted.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy managed to stop the car and perform first aid on the suspect, but the suspect died.