Soldiers Grove man arrested at horse show

On Aug. 23, at 8 p.m., the Crawford County Communications Center received a 911 call of threats being made at a horse show which was taking place at the arena in the village of Soldiers Grove. The reporting party stated that Daniel E. Smyth, 59, Soldiers Grove, was yelling, “Shoot the horses, shoot the riders, shoot them all.” Smyth was reportedly yelling this from a nearby residence. The spectators at the event consisted of adults and children.  

While deputies were responding, Smyth walked to the event from the residence. A deputy arrived on scene and made contact with Smyth, who was heavily intoxicated and standing amongst the crowd of spectators. The deputy informed Smyth that he is being placed under arrest for causing a disturbance at the event. The deputy asked Smyth to place his hands behind his back but Smyth refused to comply with the instructions and tried walking to his residence. The deputy attempted to place Smyth’s wrists in handcuffs but he actively resisted by pulling away, balling his fist and tensing his arms. A struggle between the deputy and Smyth ensued on the ground. The reporting party assisted the deputy with placing Smyth’s hands behind his back for handcuffing.

Smyth is currently on bond through Crawford County for eluding deputies last week in a high speed chase and violated multiple conditions of his bond. Smyth was taken into custody for three counts of felony bail jumping, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.