SS
U.S. Navy · United States 
Sonny Smith
2015
Sonny Allan Smith served the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Sonny also served in the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Smith was shot and killed as he and other deputies searched for a burglary suspect in the area of County Road 1723 at approximately 2:30 am.
He located the subject hiding in a wooded area and pursued him on foot. During the pursuit the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Smith in the neck. Despite the wound, Deputy Smith returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was then taken into custody.
Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
On May 27, 2016, the 52-year-old suspect was found guilty of murder and burglary and sentenced to 28 years for murder and five years for burglary with the sentences to run concurrently.
Deputy Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for 11 years.
He located the subject hiding in a wooded area and pursued him on foot. During the pursuit the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Smith in the neck. Despite the wound, Deputy Smith returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was then taken into custody.
Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
On May 27, 2016, the 52-year-old suspect was found guilty of murder and burglary and sentenced to 28 years for murder and five years for burglary with the sentences to run concurrently.
Deputy Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1991 – 1995
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Auxiliary Deputy
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnvxc4w3cxp3ks70777f
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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