Trooper Ronald Gordon Smith

Trooper Ronald Gordon Smith | Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
Trooper Ronald Gordon Smith

Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

End of Watch Sunday, December 23, 1973

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Ronald Gordon Smith

Trooper Ronald Smith was shot and killed while checking on two suspicious men parked on a dirt road east of U.S. 19, three miles north of Crystal River in Citrus County. One of the men, age 23, shot Trooper Smith four times.

The subjects attempted to flee but two nearby hunters shot and wounded one of them and then captured both. Both suspects were escapees from an Oklahoma prison. The shooter was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1989 his sentence was commuted to life. As of November 20, 2020, he was still in a Florida Prison. His companion was sentenced to two years for accessory to murder.

Trooper Smith was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for three months and had previously served with the Tallahassee Police Department. He was survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour 3 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced commuted to life

suspicious vehicle

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My late husband FHP Sargent Tom Anderson , was with Ronnie on that sad day to pick up his reports ( Troop C Brooksville Station) Ronnie told him the reports were not ready and he would take them to the Brooksville station later that day. By the time Tom got back to the office the event was taking place. He returned to the tragic scene. We were there for the dedication of the Memorial. After my husband passed, I became a member of NARLEO. I received one of the flags that flew over the Memorial. Thank you NARLEO

FHP Sgt. Tom Anderson (Deceased)
DHSMV Dolly Anderson

January 5, 2021

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