On June 12, 2026, at approximately 4:26 P.M., Metro Transit Officer Fickett observed a gray/beige Honda Accord, Minnesota License Plate [PLATE REDACTED], parked on Dorothy Day Place in front of the Dorothy Day Shelter, Saint Paul, County of Ramsey. Officer Fickett observed numerous people approach the vehicle from the driver’s side window, reach into the car, and walk away. On other occasions, people entered the vehicle in the front passenger seat, remained in the vehicle for some time, exited, and walked away.
Suspicious of criminal activity, Officer Fickett and Recruit Officer Morales drove closer. As officers were driving through the intersection of 5th Street & Smith Street, the Honda Accord made a U-turn on Dorothy Place and proceeded to make a right turn onto 9th Street. Officers got behind the vehicle. The Honda Accord quickly pulled over onto the side of the road in a no parking zone and parked the vehicle. Officer Fickett observed the driver’s side mirror was completely broken. Officers activated squad lights to conduct a stop.
As Officer Fickett exited his squad car, the driver began to exit the vehicle. The driver was a skinny Black male wearing a baseball hat, baby blue Calvin Klein shirt, and black fanny pack. The driver was told to get back inside the vehicle. As Officer Fickett approached the vehicle, the driver reached around inside. Officer Fickett smelled the strong odor of alcohol. Officer Fickett asked the driver how much he had to drink, but he did not respond. Officer Fickett observed at least three medium sized bindles of a white, clear crystalline substance inside the cup holder.
The driver began reaching for the bindles, and was told not to. The driver grabbed the bindles, placed them inside of his mouth, and swallowed them. Officer Fickett walked over to the driver’s side of the vehicle and ordered the driver to step out. The driver locked the door, placed the key in the ignition. As officer Fickett tried to open the door of the vehicle, the driver rolled the window on his arm. Officer Fickett grabbed the window, shattering it. Officer Fickett tried to open the door, but the driver drove the vehicle and fled away.
As the vehicle fled, officers pushed Officer Morales back to prevent him from being dragged. Photos of the suspect were captured from Officer Fickett’s body camera video. A probation identified the suspect as KHARIS M. SMITH, [DOB REDACTED]. On June 17, 2026, Saint Paul Police Officers stopped the Honda Accord. SMITH was the driver and was arrested.
