On July 2, 2023, at approximately 1:48 pm, authorities responded to a shooting incident near Highway 135 and Hwy 271 in Gladewater. The Gladewater Police Department, along with Gladewater Fire and Christus EMS, arrived at the scene where a white male victim, approximately 31 years old, had been shot. The victim was promptly transported by EMS to a Tyler hospital for medical treatment. At the time of transport, the victim was alert and in stable condition.
Gladewater Police initiated an investigation into the incident and obtained a felony arrest warrant for a white male suspect named Robert Daniel Smith. Smith, born on June 23, 1998, is described as 6'0" tall, weighing 175 lbs, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He is considered armed and dangerous. The suspect was last seen driving a white Nissan Altima, a 4-door sedan bearing the Texas license plate STP5900. Individuals are advised to contact their local law enforcement agency or crime stoppers if they have any information on the whereabouts of the suspect.
Update: On July 3, 2023, it was reported that the suspect, Robert Daniel Smith, is now in custody. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office Communication Division in Marshall, Texas, received a call from Gladewater Police on the evening of July 2, notifying them of the arrest warrant issued for Smith in connection with an aggravated assault. The Gladewater Police provided possible locations in Harrison County where Smith may have been seeking refuge, along with officer safety information.
Later that night, around 11:41 pm, a Harrison County Patrol Deputy located the suspect'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, and upon realizing the presence of law enforcement, the suspect deliberately drove towards the deputy, attempting to strike the patrol unit. The suspect then fled, heading northbound on FM2208.
During the pursuit, which lasted approximately 1 minute, the suspect fired multiple rounds in the direction of the pursuing deputy, striking the patrol unit. The chase continued into Marion County for about 1 mile until the suspect made a u-turn and drove head-on towards the pursuing deputy. In response, the deputy returned fire as the suspect advanced in the vehicle. After a brief standoff, the suspect surrendered to law enforcement.
The suspect, identified as Robert Daniel Smith from Longview, TX, was taken into custody and transported to a Tyler Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Criminal charges are pending, and the ongoing investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the Texas Rangers.
