ELLIS COUNTY, TX – Sheriff Brad Norman issued a public statement on Friday addressing a video circulating on social media that shows an Ellis County deputy delivering a closed-fist strike to a suspect during an arrest.
According to Sheriff Norman, the video shows the deputy attempting to arrest 61-year-old Robert Martin Smith of Rice, Texas. After securing one handcuff, the suspect reportedly continued to physically resist and refused to allow the second handcuff to be placed. In response, the deputy delivered a single closed-fist strike to Smith's midsection to gain control.
The sheriff confirmed that immediately after the strike, the suspect became compliant and was safely escorted to the patrol vehicle without further incident. No injuries were reported to either the deputy or Smith.
Following a review of the video footage, including the deputy’s body-worn camera, Sheriff Norman stated that the deputy’s actions were in compliance with departmental use of force policies and procedures.
Robert Martin Smith was charged with the following:
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Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B <1G
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Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair
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Evading Arrest or Detention
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Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transport
Smith’s bond was set at $29,000.00.
Sheriff Norman reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability and thanked the public for its continued trust in the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
