Man facing 3 counts of attempted murder released without bond

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder following a standoff with police where shots were fired has been released from jail on his own recognizance.

Christopher Smith was arrested on November 11 after the 12-hour standoff with police. He was also charged with intentionally evading arrest in an automobile and vandalism between $10,000 and $60,000.

Smith was released from jail today with no bond by Judge Bill Anderson.

During the standoff on Lakeview Road, police said Smith threatened to kill the officers and fired shots at them. His mother told police Smith was a veteran who was dealing with a mental illness.

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In a letter to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, State Senator Brent Taylor questioned Smith's release, calling him "a threat to public safety as evidenced by firing at police officers" during the standoff.

SEN-BRENT-TAYLOR Download

"Judge Anderson continues to exhibit a blatant disregard for TCA 40-11-115(a), which elevates the safety of the community as the first consideration of bail," said Senator Taylor.

Tuesday night, D.A. Mulroy told WREG that his office disagrees with the judge's decision in this case.

"We opposed the defendant's release on his own recognizance. We asked that the $200,000 bond, I believe, stay in effect and, as a matter of fact, will be appealing that decision by filing a risk in criminal court."

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During negotiations with Smith, the MPD's TACT Unit deployed their robot to get a closer look at the suspect, but Smith allegedly shot the robot and then ran it over with his car.

Police say the robot costs $60,000 and is now unusable.

Smith is scheduled to be back in court on December 3.