Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, June 23, 1958
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 23, 1958
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 410 gauge
Suspect Info: In custody
Patrolman Smith was shot and killed in Willis by a 15-year-old boy when he attempted to arrest him for motorcycle theft. The youth claimed his shotgun discharged when he dropped it as Patrolman Smith, a juvenile officer, and a constable entered his shack. The boy, who had been in trouble before, was taken into custody by the other two officers.
Patrolman Smith was survived by his wife and two daughters. He had been with the agency for two years. He was a Korean War veteran.