A Man Shot by Deputies near Leroy, Texas, in McLennan County is in Critical Condition
Robert Smith, age 43, was allegedly shot in his side by a sniper with the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on March 6, 2018. Smith’s children had just been removed by Child Protective Services (CPS), and he was distressed over it, according to Chief Deputy David Kilcrease with MCSO. Smith has several guns and allegedly shot off several rounds before police arrived, after which there was a standoff. At last report, Smith had been transported to an area hospital and was in critical condition.
Kilcrease said bean bags were fired at Smith when police first arrived, but then the suspect allegedly reached into his waistband for his revolver. This is the point when Smith was allegedly shot.
The officers tried to avoid using any type of lethal force and they came fairly close, Kilcrease said.
Initially, two people were inside the home with Smith, but they went outside and hid behind a shed in the backyard. They were uninjured. Later, officers took them to a church nearby, for safety reasons.
The police officer allegedly involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure following a police-involved shooting. Texas Rangers are handling the investigation, and they were at the scene shortly after the alleged shooting.
Kilcrease said Smith has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, which is a third-degree felony. Also, it is believed Smith will survive his injuries; after medical treatment, he will be taken into custody and likely face additional criminal charges.
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