CMPD Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into an aggravated assault which led to the suspect taking his own life shortly after he fled the scene. The initial incident took place inside the Xpress Mart gas station located at the intersection of South Boulevard and Ideal Way in the Westover Division. The incident was called in to CMPD Communications via an officer’s handheld radio at 11:51 p.m., on Friday, July 2, 2010.
A Westover Division Patrol Officer on routine patrol was flagged down by the victim who stated that the suspect had just pointed a gun at him while inside the Xpress Mart. The victim stated that he and the suspect had a verbal dispute inside the same Xpress Mart about a month ago and that they had not seen each other since. The victim stated that tonight, the suspect told him to leave the store and that when the victim refused, the suspect pointed a handgun at him.
The victim stated that he grabbed the gun and wrestled the suspect for control of it. The suspect maintained control of the gun and ran outside the store, into his Cadillac sedan and fled the scene. No gunshots were fired inside the store and it does not appear that robbery was a motive in this incident.
A Westover Division Patrol Officer on patrol was passing the intersection as the suspect fled the parking lot. Based on the information that was relayed to him by the victim, the officer initiated a very brief pursuit of the suspect vehicle which lasted approximately 20-30 seconds.
As the suspect, Robert John Smith's vehicle drove along Marshall Place, he lost control of his vehicle as he approached Atherton Street. The suspect vehicle left the roadway and crashed into an unoccupied home located at 405 Atherton Street. As the officer exited his patrol car, he heard a gunshot. The officer approached the car when backup units arrived and they located Robert John Smith suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Crime Scene Search responded to the scene collect physical evidence. Detectives with the HITS Unit are on scene assisting. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Abbott is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
