On August 13, 2023, at approximately 3:19 PM, Marion County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to 333 MC 4039 in the Everton Community, regarding a report of a male threatening a family member with a firearm.  

On arrival at 333 MC 4039, deputies met with the father of the suspect (JOSHUA SMITHEE, W/M, DOB:12/15/1971) and attempted to convince him to exit the residence and talk about the incident. The suspect refused to exit the residence and threatened to shoot the deputies while in possession of a handgun and a shotgun.

Deputies took cover and attempted to negotiate with the suspect and convince him to exit the residence. The deputies continued to talk with the suspect for several minutes with no response. During this time, the suspect exited and re-entered the residence and fired a shot from inside the residence. 

For approximately the next hour and 45 minutes, deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect and convince him to exit the residence. During this time, the suspect fired three (3) shots from within the house, striking a vehicle parked near the residence, with shrapnel from the vehicle striking deputies in their face and bodies. None of the deputies were injured from the shrapnel. One of the deputies returned fire, but no injuries were reported to the suspect.

Approximately fifteen (15) minutes later the suspect came out of the residence and was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Detention Center and booked in with charges pending. 

Additional information will be released as the Investigators process the crime scene, collect evidence, and conduct additional interviews.

Gregg L. Alexander

Marion County Sheriff