On July 2, 2023, at approximately 13:48 hrs, authorities were dispatched to the vicinity of Highway 135 and Hwy 271 in Gladewater, Texas, responding to a report of a person who had been shot. The Gladewater Police Department, along with Gladewater Fire and Christus EMS, arrived at the scene and provided medical assistance to a 31-year-old white male victim. The victim, who was alert and in stable condition, was subsequently transported to a Tyler hospital for further treatment.
During the investigation, Gladewater Police identified a suspect and obtained a felony arrest warrant for a white male named Robert Daniel Smith.
On July 3, 2023, authorities made a significant development in the case. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office Communication Division received information from Gladewater Police about the arrest warrant for Robert Daniel Smith, relating to an aggravated assault in Gladewater. The Gladewater Police provided potential locations in Harrison County where Smith might be hiding, along with officer safety information.
Later that evening, at around 11:41 pm, a Harrison County Patrol Deputy discovered Smith's vehicle parked in the dark at The First Community Baptist Church on Sid Craver Rd and FM 2208 in Harleton, Harrison County. The deputy observed that the vehicle was occupied. When the suspect realized the presence of law enforcement, he deliberately drove towards the deputy, making an attempt to strike the patrol unit. The suspect then fled, heading northbound on FM2208.
During the ensuing pursuit, which lasted approximately 1 minute, the suspect fired multiple rounds towards the pursuing deputy, hitting the patrol unit. The chase continued into Marion County for about 1 mile until the suspect executed a u-turn and drove directly towards the pursuing deputy. In response, the deputy returned fire as the suspect advanced in the vehicle. Following a brief standoff, the suspect eventually surrendered to law enforcement.
The suspect, identified as Robert Daniel Smith from Longview, TX, was taken into custody. Due to injuries sustained during the incident, Smith was transported to a Tyler hospital for medical treatment. The investigation remains ongoing, led by the Texas Rangers. Criminal charges are pending against Smith.
