Fear Inside a Family Home: Woman Says Intoxicated Father Fired Handgun Toward Her and Friend, Police Launch Investigation
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – At 11:08 p.m., the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call on Alex Brown Road.
While investigating the scene, a deputy encountered a man who became irate and pointed a weapon at the deputy.
A woman made the initial call, saying her father, 58-year-old Steve Smith, was intoxicated and fired a handgun in the direction of her and a friend.
The first deputy arrived on scene at 11:22 p.m.
“The deputy attempted to make contact with Mr. Smith; he became irate, began yelling profanities, and shoved the deputy. Mr. Smith then reached behind his back to his waistband and produced a handgun and pointed it at the deputy. The deputy then discharged the service weapon, striking Mr. Smith,” Holmes County Sheriff John Tate said.
Additional deputies arrived minutes later and secured the scene. They also began rendering aid to Smith until Holmes County EMS arrived at 11:35.
Despite their efforts, Smith was deceased.
“The entire incident was captured on the deputy’s body-worn camera; a copy of the footage will be released within the next few days to allow Florida Department of Law Enforcement sufficient time to process the evidence as part of the investigation,” Tate said.
Investigators say Smith’s daughter told them she went to his home after he had called her and made suicidal statements.
Sheriff Tate says Smith did not have a criminal history, and that his mental health may have played a role in the incident.
Tate says the incident supports the importance of deputy training.
“This was a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. While we regret the loss of life, we are thankful that our deputy was not injured. Our deputies face life-threatening situations while serving and protecting our community every day,” Tate said.
The deputy who fired at Smith is on administrative leave pending the investigation results.
