07/16/2026
Viewer Discretion is Advised
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at approximately 4:14 PM, two Callaway County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence on Tate Drive near Auxvasse in an attempt to locate and arrest Michael Smith on a Callaway County Failure to Appear warrant. Deputies had previously arrested Smith at this same residence.
The warrant stemmed from Callaway County Case 26CW-CR000894 and included the following charges:
- Vehicle Hijacking (Class B Felony)
- Tampering with a Motor Vehicle – 1st Degree (Class D Felony)
- Harassment – 1st Degree (Class E Felony)
- Assault – 4th Degree (Class C Misdemeanor)
- Property Damage – 2nd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)
As one deputy exited his patrol vehicle, two dogs approached. One of the dogs approached while growling and behaving aggressively. The deputy deployed agency issued OC spray in an attempt to stop the dog's aggressive behavior after the dog lunged toward him. The dog retreated, and both deputies continued toward the residence in an attempt to locate Smith.
While deputies were knocking on the front door, the second deputy alerted the first deputy that the same dog was rapidly approaching and lunged toward the deputy again. The deputy, believing the dog posed an immediate threat of injury to his safety, discharged his agency issued firearm, striking the dog. At the time of the shooting, none of the residents were outside the home.
Within seconds, a female resident opened the door. Deputies immediately explained what had occurred, expressed sympathy for the family's loss, and explained the circumstances that led to the deputy's actions. Additional family members arrived shortly thereafter, and deputies again explained the circumstances surrounding the incident. Deputies learned the dog belonged to Michael Smith, but was being cared for by a juvenile family member. Family members advised deputies the dog is normally kept inside the residence but had been let outside.
After confirming the dog had passed, the father of the juvenile respectfully covered the animal with a blanket. Deputies remained at the residence, from a distance, until a Lieutenant arrived who was briefed on what had happened. Deputies left the residence at approximately 4:45 PM.
The entire incident, from the deputies' arrival until their departure, was recorded on agency issued body-worn cameras. The Sheriff's Office will not be releasing the complete body-worn camera footage at this time because it contains images of a juvenile female who was not fully clothed.
Later that evening, at approximately 11:20 PM., deputies again responded to the Tate Drive residence in an effort to locate Smith. Smith was located inside the residence, resisted arrest, and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Callaway County Jail.
Following formal charges of Resisting Arrest for a Felony, a Judge set Smith's bond at $25,000. Smith later posted a combined bond totaling $40,000 and was released.
The Callaway County Sheriff's Office recognizes that the loss of a family pet is deeply emotional, and we extend our sympathy to those affected. Deputies do not want to use deadly force against an animal, and every reasonable effort is made to avoid doing so. In this incident, the deputy first attempted to stop the dog's aggressive behavior using OC spray. When that effort was unsuccessful and the dog again advanced toward the deputies, the deputy believed the dog posed an immediate threat to his safety and used deadly force.
As with all use-of-force incidents, this matter is being reviewed in accordance with Sheriff's Office policy.
The Sheriff's Office is aware of information circulating on social media regarding this incident. This press release is intended to provide the Sheriff's Office's factual account based on the deputies' observations at the time and provide transparency regarding the body-worn camera recordings that can be released at this time.
