Armed felon apprehended at Lowe's thanks to quick-thinking officers

What began as a routine response to a suspected shoplifting call turned into a potentially deadly encounter at Lowe’s on Thursday, when officers confronted a man with multiple warrants who pulled a handgun while fleeing the scene.

According to the Clarksville Police Department, Richard D. Smith was identified at the store as having active warrants. As officers approached, Smith attempted to escape and drew a firearm, placing customers and employees in immediate danger.Officers Hodge and Fitzgerald were quick to respond. As Smith ran, Officer Hodge deployed his newly issued Taser 10 just moments before Officer Fitzgerald would have been forced to use deadly force to protect innocent bystanders.

“Shoplifters are not always just shoplifters,” the department noted in a statement. “This was a dangerous and armed individual. Thanks to the quick action and teamwork of our officers, everyone went home safe — and one suspect went to jail.”

Police added that Officer Fitzgerald was notably outrunning Officer Hodge during the pursuit, a detail that brought a moment of levity after an otherwise high-stakes arrest. Smith was safely taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.

He is now facing several serious charges: active warrant; felony theft; prior theft offenses; resisting law enforcement (fleeing and drawing a weapon); possession of a handgun by a serious violent felon; possession of a stolen handgun; obstruction of justice

The Clarksville Police Department commended Officers Hodge and Fitzgerald for their courage, coordination, and restraint in a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation.

An investigation remains ongoing.