Sep. 11—JEFFERS — During the execution of a search warrant at the home of Carter Smith in Jeffers, the 42-year-old man reportedly threatened a Cottonwood County Sheriff’s deputy with a knife. The Aug. 26 incident has resulted in Smith being charged with one felony count of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to the law enforcement report, numerous Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent were executing a search warrant of Smith’s home. The search warrant was reportedly regarding an investigation of child sex abuse material involving Smith. Contact with Smith was made upon his arrival home.
Smith was informed as to why the agents were at his home and invited officers inside the residence to discuss the matter further. The search warrant began a short time later.
During the search, a Cottonwood County deputy told Smith to sit in the living room and wait. After a few minutes, Smith reportedly got up and asked if he could refill a water glass he was holding. The deputy said yes, but went with Smith to the kitchen so Smith could refill it.
As Smith reportedly refilled his glass, a house cat jumped over the deputy’s head from a door sill to a kitchen cabinet. The deputy ducked and turned his head away from Smith and when he turned back, Smith was gone.
The deputy went to the entrance of the kitchen and saw Smith about three to five feet away, reportedly holding a kitchen knife in his hand. According to the report, Smith put the point of the knife to his neck and “was stabbing himself.”
The deputy drew his service weapon and told Smith to drop the knife. Smith reportedly raised the knife over his head and “went after” the deputy. The deputy was able to retreat and pull a door between them. The door would not shut without the deputy holding it closed, so he let go to avoid getting his hand cut by Smith.
Smith reportedly pulled the door open and “came after (the deputy) again.” The deputy moved from to room, yelling at Smith to drop the weapon. Two other agents on site were able to get Smith to eventually drop the knife. He was taken into custody without further incident and his wounds were treated. Due to the possible severity of the wounds, he was flown to Sioux Falls for advanced care.
Smith has a Sept. 15 appearance in Cottonwood County Fifth District Court.
Note: This article was written based on information reported by law enforcement agencies. The Globe reminds readers that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.