CLEARWATER - Prosecutors have filed a formal charge of improper exhibition of a firearm against Bucs defensive back Dwight Smith in connection with a road rage incident in April.
Clearwater police arrested Smith on a felony charge of aggravated assault. The charge chosen by prosecutors is a misdemeanor.
Police said Smith, 24, and another driver, John Schultz, 43, argued and exchanged gestures after they tried to merge into the same lane of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard on April 16. Smith pulled out a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, which frightened Schultz.
The gun was loaded, although a round was not in the chamber, police said.
After Schultz called police on his cell phone, officers pulled over the white Cadillac Escalade that Smith was driving. He admitted he brandished the gun but denied pointing it at Schultz, police said.
Smith said he displayed the gun because he felt threatened by Schultz, police said.
Smith was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $5,000 bail. No court dates have been set. A conviction could result in a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The 5-foot-10, 201-pound Smith is expected to start at free safety this season and recently switched from cornerback. Bucs spokesman Jeff Kamis said Tuesday the team had no comment.
