Essex County Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Monday, September 17, 1984
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 17, 1984
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Daniel Smith was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle on I-280, between Center Street and Harrison Street, in East Orange. Patrolman Smith was shot in the head by a shotgun blast as he approached the vehicle.
The 27-year-old suspect and several accomplices were arrested and charged in connection with Patrolman Smith's murder and other related crimes. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, motor vehicle theft, illegal weapons possession, and sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole on September 16, 2024.
Patrolman Smith had served with the Essex County Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife.