Louisiana State Police, Louisiana
End of Watch: Thursday, January 17, 1957
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: January 29, 1956
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Sergeant Eli Smith succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle crash on U.S. 90 on January 29, 1956.
He was pursuing a vehicle for a traffic violation when he was forced off the road. The speeding vehicle struck an automobile, forcing that vehicle into Sergeant Smith's patrol car.
Sergeant Smith suffered severe chest injuries and had several heart attacks over the next year, culminating in his death.
Sergeant Smith had served with the Louisiana State Police for 14 years and was assigned to Troop D.