Police Officer Johnny Boyd Smith

Johnny Boyd Smith

Police Officer Johnny Smith was killed when he was involved in a vehicle crash while on patrol at 10:45 p.m.

While driving eastbound on Country Road 630, a driver traveling at speeds of 80-100 mph crossed the centerline and struck Officer Smith near Mullinsville Road. The driver had lost control and sideswiped the front of the patrol car. Officer Smith succumbed to his injuries at the Winter Haven Hospital.

A passenger in the vehicle was also killed. The driver, 22, was charged with two counts of manslaughter. Despite admitting he was involved in a drag race, he was acquitted.

Officer Smith was a United States Army Military Police veteran and had served with the Frostproof Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his two daughters, parents, brother, sister, and fiancee.