Ryan L. Smith

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.