On December 28th at 3 pm, officers responded to a potential bomb threat at the VFW located at 1108 W Crawford. The incident unfolded during a BINGO session when a 43-year-old individual identified as Larry Smith, Jr. allegedly entered the premises and claimed there was a bomb on site. Concerned workers contacted the SPD. Fortunately, no explosive device was found, but Smith eluded authorities following the incident.
The following day, on December 29th at 6:30 am, an officer preparing for their shift reportedly spotted Smith in the back lot of the SPD. The officer engaged with Smith, who allegedly resisted arrest and fled the scene. The officer successfully caught up with Smith, leading to a physical altercation. Smith purportedly struck the officer on the left side of the head and forehead, and also bit the officer on the upper arm.
Subsequently, Smith was taken into custody on requested charges of criminal threat, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and battery on a law enforcement officer.