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39-year Veteran Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

Sergeant Orville Smith

It is with great sadness and regret that the Shelton Police Department announces the death of Police Sergeant Orville Smith due to complications from internal injuries that Smith sustained late Saturday night while on duty. Smith and his police cruiser were struck by a Nissan Frontier pickup truck on Route 110 at the intersection of Indian Well Road in Shelton while directing traffic after a private fireworks event.

The Shelton Police Department Traffic Division with the assistance of the Trumbull Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating the accident. The driver of the Frontier, 63 year old Bruce Knapik of 96 East Eaton St in Bridgeport, was arrested and charged with Driving under the Influence. Knapik did not claim any injuries. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Sgt. Smith was a 39-year-veteran of the Shelton Police Department and was assigned as a patrol supervisor on the day shift. Sgt. Smith was also a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. Sgt Smith has also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Shelton Fire Department White Hills Company Number 5. Sgt. Smith was also a past President of the Shelton Police Association. Sgt. Smith is survived by his wife Nancy Smith of Oxford. Sgt. Smith was very active with the Shelton Police Memorial Day Services and served as the moderator for the annual event for the last several years.

“The loss of Sgt. Orville Smith has deeply affected the entire Shelton Police Department. Sgt. Smith was a dedicated officer and hiss loss will affect the entire City”-Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman