Deputies were investigating a string of home robberies when they encountered Ryan L. Smith as he drove a Nissan Altima recklessly, weaving across lanes, police said. When deputies tried to stop him, he acted like he was going to stop, then drove through a yard, abandoned the car and began running. Deputies on foot chased Smith into a backyard shed, but Smith allegedly threatened them with a knife. Polk Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Daniel shot and killed him.
Victim's Name: Ryan L. Smith
Agency Responsible: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 44
Race: White
Date of Death: March 5, 2018
County: Polk
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: knife
Threat Level: other
Fleeing: Foot
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 3463
Geography: Suburban