A Contra Costa County jail inmate accused of firing at a sheriff’s deputy earlier this year has died after what authorities described as an apparent suicide attempt while in custody.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said 54-year-old Raymond Smith, an Oakley resident, died Sunday morning after spending several weeks hospitalized following the incident.
Smith had been facing multiple felony charges connected to a January confrontation with law enforcement in Oakley that triggered a large police response and neighborhood shelter-in-place orders.
Death
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Smith attempted to take his own life while inside his jail cell on May 4. Jail staff discovered the incident and he was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities said Smith remained hospitalized until his death Sunday morning.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that the death is being investigated in accordance with standard procedures. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is also involved in the review.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Raymond Smith |
| Age | 54 |
| Residence | Oakley, California |
| Date of Jail Incident | May 4 |
| Date of Death | Sunday |
| Investigating Agencies | Sheriff’s Office and DA’s Office |
Charges
Smith was originally booked into custody in January following a standoff with law enforcement officers.
According to authorities, he faced charges including:
- Attempted murder
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Criminal contempt of court
The investigation began on Jan. 12 after deputies responded to reports of a restraining order violation in Oakley.
Officials said a deputy conducted a traffic stop involving Smith in the 4300 block of Gold Run Drive shortly before 11 a.m.
Shooting
The Sheriff’s Office said the encounter escalated almost immediately after the stop began.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jimmy Lee said Smith exited the vehicle and allegedly fired several shots at the deputy.
“The deputy was not struck and was able to return gunfire,” Lee said at the time.
Authorities said Smith then fled the area on foot, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response throughout the neighborhood.
A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for nearby residents and schools as officers searched for him.
Agencies Involved
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office | Lead investigation |
| Oakley Police Department | Search assistance |
| California Highway Patrol | Area response |
| Brentwood Police | Support operations |
| Antioch Police | Support operations |
| East Bay Regional Park Police | Assistance |
Standoff
Investigators later located Smith barricaded inside a residence on the 2700 block of Placer Drive in Oakley.
The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to the scene as negotiators attempted to communicate with him over several hours.
Authorities said tactical teams eventually moved an armored vehicle toward the residence during the standoff.
During that operation, officers reported hearing a gunshot from inside the home.
“At the time, it appeared the suspect tried to take his own life,” Lee previously stated.
Smith survived the injury and was transported to a hospital before later being transferred to county jail after treatment.
Investigation
As with other in-custody deaths, officials said the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death will undergo formal review.
Investigations into jail deaths typically involve examining medical records, surveillance footage, staff actions, and timelines surrounding the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release additional details Sunday regarding the specific circumstances of Smith’s hospitalization or death.
Authorities also have not announced when final findings from the investigation may become public.
Response
Incidents involving assaults on law enforcement officers and later in-custody deaths often draw multiple layers of review because they involve both criminal investigations and custodial oversight procedures.
California law requires independent review processes in certain cases involving deaths connected to law enforcement custody.
The January standoff also placed significant attention on emergency response coordination across East Contra Costa County, with multiple agencies assisting during the hours-long search and barricade situation.
At the time, officials urged residents to remain indoors while officers secured the area.
Background
Oakley, located in eastern Contra Costa County, has experienced several high-profile law enforcement incidents in recent years involving barricaded suspects and regional tactical responses.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further public comment regarding Smith’s death beyond confirming the ongoing investigation.
Officials said additional information may be provided once investigative reviews are completed.
FAQs
Who was Raymond Smith?
A 54-year-old Oakley man jailed on felony charges.
What happened in January?
Police say Smith fired at a deputy during a stop.
Did the deputy survive?
Yes, the deputy was not injured.
How did Smith die?
Authorities said it appeared to be suicide.
Who is investigating the death?
The Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.
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