Bio & Incident Details
Age: 39
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Military veteran
Cause: Gunfire (Accidental)
Incident Date: 10/25/1967
Weapon: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect: Not available
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Night Chief Jim Smith was accidentally shot and killed by another officer while struggling with a drunk driving suspect.
Chief Smith, along with three other officers in his patrol car, had pursued the vehicle to Gilliam Hill where they forced it to stop. When Chief Smith approached the driver, the man punched him in the face. A second officer then struck the driver on the head the butt of his service revolver, which then discharged. The round struck Chief Smith in the head, killing him.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and held on a drunk driving charge.
Chief Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He was survived by his five brothers and five sisters.
