Man fired gun at occupied SUV prior to arrest in central Topeka: court documents
TOPEKA (KSNT) - New information is out after a man was accused of spraying bullets at an occupied car in central Topeka earlier this year.
27 News obtained court documents this month that detail new information about what led up to the arrest of Rahjgerio G. Smith, 24, for several charges, including murder in the second degree. Police say he fired a handgun multiple times at another man as he passed by Smith in an SUV in late April.
The Topeka Police Department (TPD) received reports of gunshots from numerous people around 5:50 p.m. on April 28 in the area of Southwest Lincoln Street and Southwest Huntoon Street.
Witnesses at the scene told police a man had fired a gun several times at a passing GMC Envoy, according to court documents. TPD officers arrested Smith, noting that he was displaying "erratic behavior" at the time.
Law enforcement reviewed surveillance video in the aftermath of the shooting incident, noting that Smith was seen pointing a handgun around while "acting agitated and aggressive," according to court documents. He is also seen on video allegedly pointing his firearm at passing vehicles several times.
Police say Smith wandered around the area for several minutes before a GMC Envoy approached the intersection of Huntoon and Lincoln, according to court documents. Smith allegedly walked up to the vehicle, had a brief interaction with the driver before shooting at the GMC.
The driver of the GMC, a 33-year-old man, fled the area after seeing that Smith was armed with a handgun, according to court documents. Police note the driver, who did not know Smith, was also armed but chose to drive away.
Police say Smith allegedly fired his handgun 16 times at the 33-year-old's vehicle as he left the area, according to court documents. Police also located another person who reported suffering damage to his vehicle as a result of stray bullets from the shooting.
The Shawnee County District Attorney's Office filed criminal charges against Smith on May 1. His charges include:
- Attempted murder in the 2nd degree.
- Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at occupied vehicle.
- Aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon.
- Criminal damage to property; without consent value < $1,000.
- Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by person convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
- Criminal damage to property; without consent value < $1,000.
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