In the early morning hours in Paragould, Arkansas, Patrolman George D. Smith, a male officer with the Paragould Police Department, was on duty when he noticed a man acting suspiciously. At approximately 3:30 a.m., Smith began to follow the individual on a city street. The man eventually disappeared from the officer's view near the Post Office located at 118 West Emerson Street.
As Patrolman Smith cautiously approached the post office to investigate further, the man suddenly reappeared.
Without warning, the suspect opened fire with a double-barrel shotgun, striking the officer in the abdomen. A doctor who lived across the street heard the commotion and rushed to provide immediate medical assistance to the fallen officer.
Despite the doctor's quick response, Patrolman Smith's injuries were severe. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later. An investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of a suspect. The individual was subsequently convicted for the murder of Patrolman George D. Smith and was sentenced to 18 years of hard labor for the crime.
