On May 15, 2015, at about 2:30 a.m., 42-year-old reserve Deputy Sonny Allan Smith of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was fatally shot while assisting in a search for a burglary suspect near County Road 1723, about 15 miles east of Clarksville. Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and 11-year agency member, encountered 52-year-old Fred Kauffeld hiding in woods; Kauffeld fired a .22 caliber handgun, striking Smith in the neck. Smith returned fire and wounded Kauffeld.

Both men were taken to a local hospital, and Deputy Smith later died of his wounds. Kauffeld was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and residential burglary; a jury later convicted him and imposed concurrent terms. Smith is survived by his wife, Amy Jardine Smith, and their four children, and was active in the First United Methodist Church of Clarksville and the United Government Security Officers of America Local 23 Union.

Did anyone in the Clarksville area have contact with Deputy Smith or information about that night?