Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Charges Pressed When Felon Is Found To Be In Possession Of Firearm
When officers located a man wanted for violating an order of protection last week they found that he was in possession of a firearm, despite the fact that he is prohibited from having one because of his status as a convicted felon.
Paul Dan Smith, age 52, was arrested on Thursday. Lawrenceburg Police Department reports show that officers had been seeking his whereabouts to serve the violation warrant.
While officers were speaking with Smith by telephone, reports indicate that he made statements about “not going back to jail” and “going out in a blaze of glory.” He allegedly told officers that he was, “Not going to be served or turn himself in.” He told them they could come get him in Florida.
Officers learned that Smith was at a Grassy Branch Road residence and made their way there at around 4:45 p.m. Numerous officers, detectives and deputies responded due to the potential volatility of the situation.
Reports show that officers were able to persuade Smith to exit the home without incident. In order to determine whether he was in possession of a firearm they gained his consent to conduct a search of the premises.
They report finding shell casings lying in the yard, items that appeared to have been shot, and a bolt action rifle in a case inside a barn.
In addition to the original charge Smith was incarcerated under charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while an order of protection is in place.
He will answer the charges in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on September 4, 2014.
