On Sunday, April 5, 2015 at approximately 7:55 a.m., a Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy investigated a domestic violence case at the Banner Casa Grande Emergency Room. The 55-year-old victim reported that she lives in an unincorporated area just outside of the Casa Grande City limits.
The victim was being treated for severe bruising and lacerations to her right eye, face, neck and torso area.
Due to the severity of the injuries and the allegation the victim made that she was strangled, detectives from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau responded.
The victim reported she had been in a romantic relationship with Van W. Smith (age 45). Van and the victim were living together at the time of the assault.
The victim reported that Van assaulted her after she asked him to move out of the residence. The victim said Van punched her several times with a closed fist in her face and torso area. Van used a “hunting style” knife and threatened to kill her. During the assault, Van also strangled her with one of his hands on the front of her neck.
The victim was able to convince Van to let her go to the hospital. He threatened to kill her if she reported this incident to law enforcement.
Before deputies or detectives could find Van he fled the residence. He was last seen riding a bicycle and carrying a small dog.
Van is approximately 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. The attached photo is approximately 2 years old. According to the victim his hair is now longer than in the picture.
If anybody has information about Smith’s whereabouts, they are asked to call 9-1-1 or 520-866-5111.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “This victim is lucky to have survived this brutal attack. She has found the courage to come forward and report this incident to law enforcement. Now it is our job to ensure justice is served and Van Smith is arrested and prosecuted for this violent attack. We are asking for help from the public to find Van Smith so that he can be locked up where he belongs.”