Tuesday, a Tennessee judge raised eyebrows by allowing the release of a man who reportedly shot police officers while escaping a traffic stop while experiencing a mental health crisis.
In the 3400 block of Lakeview Road, Memphis police officers responded to an armed mental health emergency on November 10. According to a criminal complaint, a mother reported that her 42-year-old son, Christopher Smith, was experiencing mental health problems as a result of his military service when they arrived on the scene. After receiving information from Smith’s mother about his whereabouts, police saw him seated in the driver’s seat of an Acura in a nearby parking lot.
Smith allegedly pulled down his window and asked the officers if they wanted to die as they got close. Then, according to the complaint, he fled the parking lot and shot cops.
From Law&Crime, more: The Jerry Springer Show is not this: According to the complaint, the Florida judge did not respond with tolerance, civility, or decency when finding contempt.
Police said that he drove back to the Lakeview house and proceeded to the back of the property. Police utilized a $60,000 police robot to patrol the area, but Smith wouldn’t get out of his car and ran it over. The robot became unusable as a result.
Officers eventually managed to entice him out after almost twelve hours, and they arrested him on attempted murder charges.
Prior to Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson’s decision on Tuesday to waive the $200,000 bond and release the suspect on his own recognizance, Smith was being held at the Shelby County Jail.
According to local CBS affiliate WREG, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy stated that his office did not agree with Anderson and had asked that Smith’s bond be kept at $200,000. Prosecutors want to submit an urgent Writ of Certiorari to the Criminal Court, Mulroy said the TV station.
Politicians from the area are also becoming interested. Mulroy’s office received a letter from Republican State Senator Brent Taylor pushing him to challenge the judge’s bond ruling.
According to WREG, Taylor wrote, “It is obvious that he poses a threat to public safety by shooting at police officers and barricading himself for a standoff.” According to his mother, Smith experienced mental illness while serving in the military. As you are undoubtedly aware, this will enable a judge in the Criminal Court to impose a suitable and elevated bail, so safeguarding the public.
Additionally, Taylor sent a letter to Mulroy earlier this month following Anderson’s release of a suspect who was suspected of firing at a FedEx employee.
As far as I’m aware, you decided not to respond to my earlier letter. Taylor replied, “I reiterate my request and remind you that you must try to reverse this decision by this so-called judge for the sake of public safety.”
Do you have a tip we ought to know?[email protected]
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!