Ryan L. Smith

How they died

Deadly force

Deputies were investigating a string of home robberies when they encountered Ryan L. Smith as he drove a Nissan Altima recklessly, weaving across lanes, police said. When deputies tried to stop him, he acted like he was going to stop, then drove through a yard, abandoned the car and began running. Deputies on foot chased Smith into a backyard shed, but Smith allegedly threatened them with a knife. Polk Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Daniel shot and killed him.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Ryan L. Smith, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources