Felony Assault Charge Filed Against Former Richmond Police Officer
Originally published as a Contra Costa District Attorney press release –
“Martinez, Calif. – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a felony assault charge with two enhancements against a former Richmond Police Department Officer.
28-year-old Eric Smith, Jr. faces one count of felony assault with a deadly weapon for an incident that occurred while Officer Smith was on duty. Eric Smith Jr. is further charged with enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury and for the use of a deadly and dangerous weapon.
The incident happened around 1:00 am in Richmond on April 9, 2022, during an attempted traffic stop of Saul Mendoza Jr. At one point during the encounter, Officer Smith struck Mr. Mendoza multiple times with a taser, causing great bodily injury to the victim.
The Richmond Police Department presented the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review and a filing determination.
On August 3rd, 2022, Richmond Police announced that Smith Jr. was terminated from the agency.
The Defendant’s arraignment will be scheduled by the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa.
The People of the State of California v. Eric Smith, Jr., Docket Number: 202208020013
Count 1-Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC245(a)(1)
Enhancement 1 – Special Allegation – Great Bodily Harm PC12022.7(a)
Enhancement 2 – Special Allegation – Use of Deadly Weapon PC12022(b)(1)”
