Beech Tree News Network

On April 7 at approximately 10:28 p.m., Butler County Deputy Nathan Barks stopped Richard A. Smith, 32, of Morgantown on the I-165 north-bound, just prior to the 26-mile marker, due to receiving a dispatched complaint of reckless driving and causing alarm for other motorists.  Deputy Barks asked for his operator’s license.  Upon running the license dispatch, Deputy Barks was advised that Smith had three confirmed warrants for his arrest.  

Smith began to resist arrest and stated he was not going to jail and fled at a high rate of speed.  Deputy Barks grabbed the window from fear of being dragged under the vehicle.  Barks drew his side arm and gave a loud verbal command for Smith to stop.  Smith refused to comply.  Barks then fired 2-3 rounds toward the rear tire of the vehicle and was able to push himself off the bed of the vehicle.

A brief vehicle pursuit ensued.  Smith shortly exited his vehicle, a 1996 Chevy pickup, behind a Russellville Road residence once it became entrenched.  A taser deployment was attempted but was unsuccessful.  Deputy Barks and MPD Officer Ronald Cox, who assisted at the scene, pursued Smith on foot for several minutes crossing Russellville Road.  Smith was finally captured after a brief struggle.  

Smith suffered a laceration to his forehead. Officer Cox suffered minor abrasions and Deputy Barks suffered possible left knee injury during the incident.  Smith was treated and cleared from the hospital for his injuries. 

He was lodged in the Butler County Jail and charged with fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (motor vehicle); fleeing and evading police, 1st degree (on foot); wanton endangerment, 1st degree-police officer; reckless driving; failure to illuminate headlights; criminal mischief 3rd degree; and resisting arrest.