Michael Lyell Smith

How they died

Deadly force

Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Steven Simpson performed a traffic stop on Michael Lyell Smith. Smith had reportedly been driving erratically. Simpson told FDLE investigators that he asked for Smith's license, and Smith produced it then released the parking brake and began to drive away. Simpson can be heard on the dashboard video saying, "I'm gonna drag you out of this car," and, "Don't you do it." Simpson reached into the truck as Smith pulled away and was carried into the oncoming lane of traffic. The deputy pulled his weapon and fired one shot then fell to the ground. Smith careened around the corner, crashed into a building, and died soon after.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources