FAST FACTS:
( Memphis 03/10/2010) An Oakland, TN police officer who says his badge saved him from a bullet tells News Channel 3 he has resigned and he is standing by his story.
A payroll clerk with the city of Oakland confirms his last check was issued January 8th.
It was called a miracle when Josh Smith said he survived being shot by two men during a traffic stop. He said his badge saved him but it now appears not everyone believes that story.
We've learned a Fayette County grand jury is expected to hear the case in a couple of weeks. Smith lives in Memphis and commuted to the suburb of Oakland in the city's police car.
"It was kind of nice seeing a cop car sitting down here," said Ronald Hardister, neighbor.
It's been weeks since that Oakland police car was parked in Smith's driveway. That's because he is no longer on the force.
Smith pulls up to his home while we're there. It's his first time on camera since the controversy surfaced surrounding his story of a Christmas miracle.
Stephanie Scurlock: What can you tell us, Joshua?
Josh Smith: Contact the D.A. in Fayette County.
Smith no longer drives Oakland's police car or wears the badge he says saved his life Christmas Eve. His story came under fire and is now the subject of a local, state and federal investigation. We asked him if he made it all up, he ignored that question and others.
Stephanie Scurlock: Will you come to the sidewalk so we can ask you a couple of questions?
Josh Smith: If ya'll don't get out of my grass, I'm going to call the police.
Stephanie Scurlock: Can you answer anything, Joshua?
Josh Smith: I've been instructed not to answer anything or talk to the media.
Stephanie Scurlock: Do you have a lawyer we can call?
Josh Smith: For what (ha, ha, ha)?
Smith laughs as he walks inside his home but for those who believed his story, like next door neighbor Michelle King and her children, there's nothing funny.
"It really does hurt my heart now. It was all a lie or at least that's what we're leading up to. It's sad," said King.
When we put up our camera, Smith came off the porch and told News Channel 3, he resigned from the Oakland police force. He says he has a new job doing something else. He also told us he is standing by his story.
- Oakland police officer tells News Channel 3 he resigned
- Officer claimed badge stopped bullet
- Officer says he's advised not to comment about allegations he made up story
( Memphis 03/10/2010) An Oakland, TN police officer who says his badge saved him from a bullet tells News Channel 3 he has resigned and he is standing by his story.
A payroll clerk with the city of Oakland confirms his last check was issued January 8th.
It was called a miracle when Josh Smith said he survived being shot by two men during a traffic stop. He said his badge saved him but it now appears not everyone believes that story.
We've learned a Fayette County grand jury is expected to hear the case in a couple of weeks. Smith lives in Memphis and commuted to the suburb of Oakland in the city's police car.
"It was kind of nice seeing a cop car sitting down here," said Ronald Hardister, neighbor.
It's been weeks since that Oakland police car was parked in Smith's driveway. That's because he is no longer on the force.
Smith pulls up to his home while we're there. It's his first time on camera since the controversy surfaced surrounding his story of a Christmas miracle.
Stephanie Scurlock: What can you tell us, Joshua?
Josh Smith: Contact the D.A. in Fayette County.
Smith no longer drives Oakland's police car or wears the badge he says saved his life Christmas Eve. His story came under fire and is now the subject of a local, state and federal investigation. We asked him if he made it all up, he ignored that question and others.
Stephanie Scurlock: Will you come to the sidewalk so we can ask you a couple of questions?
Josh Smith: If ya'll don't get out of my grass, I'm going to call the police.
Stephanie Scurlock: Can you answer anything, Joshua?
Josh Smith: I've been instructed not to answer anything or talk to the media.
Stephanie Scurlock: Do you have a lawyer we can call?
Josh Smith: For what (ha, ha, ha)?
Smith laughs as he walks inside his home but for those who believed his story, like next door neighbor Michelle King and her children, there's nothing funny.
"It really does hurt my heart now. It was all a lie or at least that's what we're leading up to. It's sad," said King.
When we put up our camera, Smith came off the porch and told News Channel 3, he resigned from the Oakland police force. He says he has a new job doing something else. He also told us he is standing by his story.
