Suspect allegedly shoots at police, destroys $60K MPD equipment during barricade
Nov 12, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A man is now in custody and facing multiple attempted murder charges following an armed barricade situation over the weekend.
Christopher Smith is charged with three counts of Criminal Attempt First Degree Murder, Intentionally Evade Arrest in Auto, and Vandalism $10,000-$60,000.
According to reports, around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to an armed medical consumer call in the 3400 block of Lakeview Road.
Overnight armed barricade ends with suspect in custody
Smith's mother reportedly told officers on the scene that her son was suffering from a mental issue due to being a military veteran.
His mother said that Smith drove off, but Memphis Police were able to find him a short while later sitting in his car in a parking lot at the Brooks Express Store on 865 East Brooks Road. When officers approached Smith, he allegedly rolled down his window and asked the officers if they wanted to die.
He then fired one shot at the officers as he drove away. Police say they did not return gunfire and no officers were injured.
MPD pursued Smith, but he refused to stop his car.
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Reports say Smith pulled his car back up to the same house he fled from and parked behind the house. He then barricaded himself and refused to get out of his car.
The Memphis Police Negotiation Team and MPD TACT Unit arrived on the scene. During negotiations with Smith, the TACT Unit deployed their robot to get a closer look at the suspect, but Smith allegedly shot the robot and then ran it over with his car.
Police say the robot costs $60,000 and is now unusable.
Smith was taken into custody. His bond has not been set.