By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Jerry Daniel Smith
A San Benito man has been arrested for allegedly dragging an officer in his car while attempting to elude authorities.
On Saturday, July 26, the San Benito Police Department responded to a call on Russell Lane in reference to an unwanted male yelling profane language at a homeowner – identified as recently-elected Precinct 3, Place 1 Justice of the Peace Guadalupe Ayala – and his family.
When an officer arrived at the scene, he noticed Jerry Daniel Smith, 57, pacing back and forth on the street in front of a Russell Lane home. Smith was allegedly upset because a dog that police reported belonged to Ayala was running loose.
The officer made contact with Ayala, who according to police wanted to file charges against Smith for disorderly conduct. At that time, Smith was sitting in his white Dodge van. The driver’s door was ajar when the officer approached Smith and advised him that he was being placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.
Smith proceeded to start his vehicle and was instructed by the officer to turn it off. Smith reportedly refused, and instead, accelerated at a high rate of speed, thus dragging the officer for several feet.
The officer again instructed Smith to stop the vehicle, but again Smith refused. He reportedly slowed down enough for the officer to regain his footing and place the vehicle in park, at which time Smith was escorted out of his vehicle and hauled to jail.
Smith was charged with the following violations: disorderly conduct; aggravated assault on a police officer; resisting arrest search or transportation; and evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle. He was arraigned by Judge Benjamin Yudesis, and his bond was set at $90,000.
Ayala said on Tuesday that he hoped the matter could have been handled without incident.
[slideshow_deploy id=’14820′]
Recent Comments