Deputies in Gainesville, Florida, used a less-lethal round and a Taser to detain a man accused of forcing his way into an occupied home while carrying a sword. Body camera footage released by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office shows the suspect approaching deputies despite repeated commands to drop the weapon. The suspect, Josiah Smith, 26, was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges. Investigators said Smith and the alleged victim did not know each other.
| 1) | Deputies respond to a reported home invasion |
| 2) | Officers confront an armed suspect in Gainesville |
| 3) | Less-lethal tactics fail to secure the sword |
| 4) | Suspect is detained after a Taser deployment |
| 5) | Smith faces four criminal charges |
Deputies respond to a reported home invasion
Deputies responded early Tuesday, September 22, in Gainesville after a caller reported that a man had forced his way into a home carrying a sword. According to the sheriff’s office, the people inside were forced outside against their will by the intruder. The report prompted deputies to treat the incident as an armed burglary involving an occupied dwelling.
The sheriff’s office later released body camera footage of the response. The video shows deputies arriving and attempting to control the situation while maintaining distance from the armed suspect. The agency said the investigation determined that Smith and the alleged victim were not acquainted.
Officers confront an armed suspect in Gainesville
When deputies encountered Smith, they repeatedly ordered him to put the sword on the ground and get down. A deputy identified the officers as members of the sheriff’s office and asked Smith to cooperate. The footage shows Smith continuing to move toward the responding deputies while holding the weapon.
“Hey, brother, do me a favor, drop the sword. Drop the sword on the ground, my man. Let me talk to you, OK? It’s the sheriff’s office,” a deputy said.
The deputy then warned other officers that Smith was not complying and continued approaching. Deputies kept their weapons trained on him as they issued additional commands intended to end the confrontation without using greater force.
Less-lethal tactics fail to secure the sword
The sheriff’s office said Smith refused lawful commands to drop the sword or get on the ground. Deputies first used a less-lethal launcher, firing a foam round at Smith in an attempt to make him release the weapon. The agency said that effort was unsuccessful.
The use of the foam round was part of the deputies’ effort to stop the threat while avoiding a more serious outcome. Body camera footage shows the officers continuing to give verbal commands before the Taser was deployed. The sheriff’s office described Smith as non-compliant during the encounter.
Suspect is detained after a Taser deployment
After the foam round failed to make Smith drop the sword, deputies deployed a Taser. The video shows Smith falling backward as the device was used, allowing deputies to detain him. The footage captures the final stage of the confrontation, from the repeated commands through the arrest.
“Josiah, throw the sword away, OK? Hey, stop, stop! Don’t move, stop,” a deputy shouted before the Taser was deployed.
The sheriff’s office said Smith was ultimately taken into custody. The account released by the agency did not indicate that anyone was injured during the incident.
Smith faces four criminal charges
Josiah Smith now faces charges of armed burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed kidnapping and resisting without violence. The charges stem from the alleged forced entry, the reported actions toward occupants and his conduct during the deputies’ response.
The allegations remain criminal charges, and the case will proceed through the legal system. The sheriff’s office released the footage as part of its account of the arrest and the tactics used to take Smith into custody.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The incident occurred in Gainesville early Tuesday, September 22. |
| 2 | Deputies said the suspect carried a sword and refused commands to drop it. |
| 3 | A foam round was used before deputies deployed a Taser. |
| 4 | Smith was detained after falling backward when the Taser was used. |
| 5 | He faces four charges, including armed burglary and armed kidnapping. |
Summary
Deputies in Gainesville detained Josiah Smith after authorities said he entered an occupied home with a sword and refused repeated orders to surrender the weapon. A less-lethal foam round did not secure compliance, so deputies used a Taser. Smith faces charges including armed burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed kidnapping and resisting without violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Gainesville?
Authorities said a man forced his way into an occupied home while carrying a sword and later approached responding deputies without dropping it.
How was the suspect detained?
Deputies first used a less-lethal foam round, then deployed a Taser after the suspect continued refusing commands. He fell backward and was taken into custody.
What charges does Josiah Smith face?
Smith faces charges of armed burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed kidnapping and resisting without violence.
