A DeSoto K9 officer played a crucial role in the arrest of 30-year-old Tyler Lee Smith, a wanted felon, on Friday evening, March 28, 2025. Smith, who was considered armed and dangerous, was spotted in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1100 block of E. Wintergreen Road around 8:30 p.m. by Officer Robertson and his K9 partner.
When Smith attempted to flee on foot through a nearby field, the K9 officer and responding DeSoto Police officers from the Delta Shift quickly apprehended him.
During the arrest, Smith tried to conceal his identity by using false information. He was found in possession of identification documents, including a Social Security card and a Texas driver's license, bearing the name of another individual. However, law enforcement officers had already identified Smith as the suspect.
Smith, a resident of Amarillo, Texas, is wanted on several felony charges, including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (violation of parole) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He also faces charges of Evading Police on Foot, Failure to Identify as a Fugitive, and Fraudulent Possession of Identifying Information.
DeSoto Police Chief Joe Costa commended the swift action of the K9 unit and Delta Shift officers, stating, “Thanks to their quick response, we were able to apprehend a dangerous suspect and keep our community safe.”
Smith is currently in police custody, and the investigation remains ongoing
