Man Who Attacked Redwood City Police Officer Appears in Court

A 47-year-old man who fought with a Redwood City Police officer while trying to get away with his drugs appeared in San Mateo County Court this week.

Shawn Smith, a Redwood City resident, was hanging out with several others in a carport on Hazel Avenue on Jan. 16 when the officer spotted the group and suspected they were involved in a drug transaction. 

The officer attempted to make contact with Smith regarding vehicle code violations, but Smith hopped on a bicycle and rode away. The officer attempted to stop him.

At that point, Smith started a physical fight with the officer.

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office indicated that Smith had a significant advantage over the officer - Smith is reportedly 6'5" and 250 pounds, and the officer is a much smaller man.

According to the DA's Office, Smith struck the officer several times, and then tried to grab the officer's firearm. Eventually, the officer had to use his taser to subdue Smith.

A subsequent search revealed a bag of methamphetamines and three pipes in Smith's pockets, and officers were able to determine that Smith himself was under the influence of meth at the time of the altercation.

As a result of the fight, the DA's Office said the officer suffered a fractured tibia and a pulled shoulder.

Smith is currently out of custody on $25,000 bail. He appeared in San Mateo County Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

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