Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Allan Smith, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas

Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Allan Smith

Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, May 15, 2015

Sonny Allan Smith

Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Smith was shot and killed as he and other deputies searched for a burglary suspect in the area of County Road 1723 at approximately 2:30 am.

He located the subject hiding in a wooded area and pursued him on foot. During the pursuit the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Smith in the neck. Despite the wound, Deputy Smith returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was then taken into custody.

Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

On May 27, 2016, the 52-year-old suspect was found guilty of murder and burglary and sentenced to 28 years for murder and five years for burglary with the sentences to run concurrently.

Deputy Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 42
Tour 11 years
Badge JC55
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to 28 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 297 Reflections

Sonny, I'd rather see you here with your loving wife and children. I'd rather see you still patrolling Johnson County Arkansas, making sure it's a safer place for everyone.

But because of your heroic actions, this day three years ago, I am typing this from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden. Because of you, I have pushed myself beyond what I thought possible, to get here.

I am doing my very best in honor of you and your family. If the good Lord sees fit, please ask him to see me through this.

Not very many people are cut from the cloth you were cut from...and I hope I can be at least half the LEO you were.

Love and respect always, you will never be forgotten JC55..

Officer Browb

May 15, 2018