Fridley, Woodbury Cops Collaborate to Catch Convicted Domestic Abuser

Collaborative efforts from Fridley and Woodbury police officers worked to catch and arrest Fridley native David Tim Smith, 47, on Dec. 8 after allegedly committing his third domestic violence-related offense in four years.

A criminal history check of Smith revealed a 2009 conviction for felony terroristic threats and a conviction for harassment in 2007. 

According to a Washington County criminal complaint filed on Dec. 9: 

Smith was staying with his Woodbury girlfriend in the 2100 block of Kings Terrace from Dec. 2-7 to finish a painting project for which she hired his services. 

According to a post-arrest interview, Smith told police the couple began arguing on or about Dec. 5 and the fighting escalated until Dec. 7 when she ordered him out of her home. 

Smith admitted to becoming very angry when kicked out of the alleged victim's home because she owed him money for the work he'd completed and a dinner for which he paid. 

According to a post-incident statement from the alleged victim, Smith began "banging loudly and yelling" after she locked the door behind him. When she opened the door, Smith allegedly put both of his hands around her neck and dragged her out of the home.

The victim told police she did not lose consciousness but did have trouble breathing. She also said she thought Smith was going to kill her.

The complaint also says a neighbor witnessed the altercation and was, in fact, the person who called 911. The witness told police she heard Smith threaten to throw the alleged victim's head through a window.

Smith reportedly jumped into his van and fled after realizing a neighbor witnessed his alleged assault.

After taking statements, Woodbury police issued a statewide alert for Smith who was ultimately taken into custody by Fridley police on Dec. 8.

Officers from Woodbury and Fridley met on Dec. 8 to transfer custody of Smith and transport him to the Washington County Law Enforcement Center.

Smith was charged with felony domestic assault and felony terroristic threats.

If convicted of the charges against him, Smith is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.