By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 41-year-old man who allegedly grabbed onto a deputy’s gun with both hands during an encounter in the Toledo-area was taken to the ground and then booked into the Lewis County Jail.
It happened after emergency medical responders asked for assistance with a combative patient at the 5300 block of Jackson Highway around 2:50 a.m. on Friday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s not clear why medics had been called, but deputies were told Dale R. Smith had made statements to his family that made them very concerned for his welfare, according to the sheriff’s office.
Smith, who appeared heavily intoxicated, was persuaded to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance, but then he made a statement like, “Let me see that gun” and pushed the deputy in the stomach, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said.
When Smith put his hands on the gun, the deputy used defensive tactics to make him let go and then took him into custody, according to Brown.
The weapon was in the deputy’s holster, Brown indicated.
Brown said Smith also tried to strike the deputy. Smith, a Toledo resident, was arrested for third-degree assault.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Good job to the Deputy, this was the proper way to handle this situation. I am glad everyone got away safely.
That could have gone bad so fast! Sounds like the deputy did an excellent job of discouraging Mr. Smith from getting to his gun. What an incredibility stupid stunt to pull.