For the second time in less than a week LMPD officers were forced to shoot an armed suspect after responding to a hold-up in progress in the city's west end.
The incident occured Wednesday night at Freddie's Liquor store (34th and Broadway) just before 10 pm.
Ryan Allen Smith, 25, had just robbed the store and began to flee when officer's arrived. The officers, Eric Culver and Brian Peter (2nd division), began to chase the suspect towards the Shawnee Expressway when the suspect fired multiple shots at the officers.
The officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Smith was transported to University of Louisville hospital where he died at approximately 11:25 pm.
Smith had violent criminal record
In June 2000, Smith was charged with robbing a Dollar General store on Poplar Level Road of $306, Jefferson County court records show. During the robbery Smith told employees he had a gun, but never showed one. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery and was sentenced to five years in prison.In September 2004, court records show, he was found guilty of evading police on foot and sentenced to 180 days in jail. The reason he was fleeing was not immediately available.
At the time of his death, Smith was wanted on a warrant for failure to comply with the conditions of an August 2006 theft case. He had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and was fined $50 that he didn't pay. The warrant was issued March 23.
Shootout with armed robbery suspect (listen to the actual radio foootage by clicking on the play button)