On 5-29-14 at 1700 hours, Deputies were dispatched to the 10000 block of South Camanche Parkway for a male subject shooting at propane tanks in the front of his residence. Deputies were able to identify the subject as Lee Matthew Smith (31 years old). Neighbors confirmed the subject was armed and was actively shooting prior to our arrival. Deputies immediately set up a perimeter around the residence and alerted neighbors. Lee Smith had active warrants for his arrest and was a convicted felon prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. After deputies made several attempts, Smith refused to answer his door and phone. The Calaveras County Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) were dispatched along with the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT). HNT attempted to contact the subject through use an of a PA system for hours without success. Prior to SWAT making contact with Smith, he exited out the back of the residence and attempted to flee. Deputies on the perimeter were able to make contact with Smith and place him under arrest. The incident took about six hours and no injuries were reported.
Lee Matthew Smith was booked into the Calaveras County Jail for Willful Discharge of a Firearm in Grossly and Negligent Manner, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Warrants, Bail total $42,500.
