Paul Smith: Bodycam captures moment Florida deputy fatally shoots suspect while hanging from his moving car

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

HUDSON, FLORIDA: Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Howell fatally shot a suspect tied to a violent strangulation case while clinging to the man's moving vehicle on Saturday, March 16, as per the New York Post. 

The harrowing encounter, captured on bodycam footage, revealed the deputy's desperate attempt to apprehend Paul Smith, 40, as he sped away in his SUV.

Pasco County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Howell issued several warnings before shooting Paul Smith

The footage begins outside a 7-Eleven, where Deputy Howell repeatedly confronted Smith, urging him to exit the vehicle. Despite the officers' commands, the suspect appeared confused and asked, "What’s going on," prompting Howell to escalate his efforts to remove him from the car.

In a sudden move, Smith ignited the engine, leading the deputy to grab hold of him in an attempt to prevent his escape. He ordered, "Get out of the car now! Get out of the f*****g car now!"

Ignoring Howell's pleas, Smith accelerated, while the former was left clinging to the door as the vehicle gained speed. 

With conventional measures proving futile, Howell resorted to using his stun gun but failed to subdue Smith. Faced with imminent danger, the officer warned the driver of the consequences before resorting to lethal force.

"Stop the car, you’re gonna get shot," echoed Howell's final plea before a fatal shot was fired, ultimately leading to Smith's death. Subsequently, the deputy took control of the vehicle and administered first aid to the suspect, but the injuries proved fatal.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office maintains that Howell's actions were justified, emphasizing the multiple warnings issued before the use of lethal force.

Paul Smith's criminal history

Smith's prior criminal record, detailed in Pasco court records, paints a picture of a past marred by violence and disregard for the law. He had prior arrests within the county for offenses related to battery and drug charges, as per the Tampa Bay Times. 

These charges notably included a conviction in 2019 where he evaded police, assaulted an officer, and was involved in a hit-and-run incident. He served a three-year prison sentence for these crimes.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the incident of Smith's death.