Trooper Robert G. Smith

Robert G. Smith

Trooper Robert Smith was killed at approximately 3:00 am when his patrol car was struck from behind by a drunk driver. He had just finished a traffic stop on I-95 and was completing paperwork when the crash occurred. Shortly after impact his cruiser burst into flames and he burned to death after being trapped inside.

The driver who caused the crash was convicted in connection with his death and sentenced to 15 years in Florida State Prison.

Trooper Smith had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for five years and is survived by his wife, young son and daughter. Between 1985 and 1989 Trooper Smith was a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. In each of the previous four years he had made over 100 DUI arrests.