Wayne County Deputy Hit, Killed While Jogging Identified

WESTLAND, MI — A Wayne County Sheriff's deputy hit and killed by a car while jogging in Westland Tuesday morning was a veteran of the agency with over 25 years of service who was less than two months away from retiring, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said at a press conference.

The deputy, identified as 55-year-old Lee Smith, had a very storied career, Napoleon said. Smith was hit by the car and dragged a short-distance before being pronounced dead at the scene, according to Napoleon.

Smith was struck at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning by a small black SUV that authorities are searching for, according to Napoleon. He added that the car should have noticeable front-end damage and asked if anyone had come in contact with the car after 10:30 a.m. that matches the description to come forward.

Smith has notified the agency on Friday that he planned to retire and his last day on the job would have been Oct. 1.

Napoleon said there was an eye-witness to the hit-and-run and every resource within the agency and others in the tri-county area are coordinating the effort to find the car. He added that the area Smith was jogging in was peaceful, quiet, secluded and almost deserted

Smith was "very firm" but also charismatic and outgoing, Napoleon said. He added that he found him to be a very professional, attentive and hard-working person.

Smith was married and had one son.

Photo via Shutterstock