Steven Michael Steve Smith was a 54-year-old Columbus Division of Police officer with 27 years’ service. He was known as Mike to family and friends and is survived by his wife Lisa and two adult children, Brittany and Jesse. On April 10, 2016, during a SWAT operation to serve a felony arson warrant, Officer Smith was riding in the turret of an armored vehicle when the suspect, Lincoln Rutledge, shot him. Officer Smith died of his wounds on April 12, 2016.

Lincoln Rutledge was taken into custody after the shooting and later faced multiple charges including aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, aggravated arson and several gun specifications. Officer Smith’s death prompted the creation of the Steven M. Smith Memorial Fund to support his family and honor his service.

If anyone knew Officer Smith or has information about the case or its impact on the community, please share what you can.