“While the FBI is supporting Trotwood police in the effort to locate and arrest Smith, we need the public’s help as well,” said J. William Rivers, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office. “Someone knows where Anthony Smith is, and your assistance could help bring him safely into custody.”
Smith’s last known residence was on Elmore Street in Trotwood. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, Rivers said. He also has ties to Dayton; Springfield; Detroit; Covington, Tennessee; Tampa, Florida; Philadelphia; and Camden, New Jersey, areas and the surrounding area.
Smith could still be in the area, said Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson., or he could potentially be outside Ohio. Wilson noted Smith has family members out of state.
“We believe someone is assisting him and helping him stay under the radar,” Wilson said. “Those are definitely the challenges. If we do find out that (someone is) helping him evade police we’re going to be charging that person as well.”
Daniels was cutting the grass May 30, 2022, at a relative’s house in the 600 block of North Sherry Drive in Trotwood before he was shot.
One of several 911 callers reported hearing arguing around 3:20 p.m. followed by four shots, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center records. The caller reported a man was on the ground and not moving.
When officers arrived, they found Daniels lying in the yard with multiple gunshots to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Mr. Daniels and Mr. Smith were engaged in a verbal altercation at which time Anthony Smith shot Mr. Bobby Daniels multiple times and walked away from the scene,” Wilson said.
Police identified Smith as a person of interest the day after the shooting.
“These are very serious charges,” Rivers said. “It is important that he be arrested so he can stand trial for these crimes.”
Smith stands 5 feet, 11 inches, weighs approximately 220 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He has been known to wear his hair long, which he routinely wears in a ponytail.
He was last known to live on Elmore Street in Trotwood and is known to use the names “Tay Smith,” “Tay” and “Taterhead,” Rivers said.
Smith has ties to or may visit Dayton and Springfield, as well as Detroit; Covington, Tennessee; Tampa, Florida; Philadelphia; and the Camden, New Jersey area and surrounding areas.
Trotwood police and the FBI said Smith should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on the case or the whereabouts of Smith are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com or 937-222-STOP (7867). Callers can remain anonymous.
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