Visalia Man Convicted of Daytime Assault with a Firearm at Gas Station

Late in the afternoon of Friday, December 10, 2021, a jury found Cotis Smith, Jr., 33, guilty of felony assault with a firearm with the special allegation of use of a firearm, and felony shooting at an occupied vehicle. Prior to trial, Smith pleaded to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

At approximately 3:40 pm on June 29, 2020, in broad daylight, Smith parked his vehicle at a gas pump at a central Visalia gas station. A few minutes later, a black sedan pulled up to a nearby pump. Security cameras showed Smith, who reacted as if he recognized the sedan’s driver, immediately put down the gas handle, quickly walked to the driver’s side of his own car and lifted the hood. Smith then produced a handgun. As the black sedan quickly departed, Smith gave chase on foot and fired two .45 rounds at the vehicle while standing in the middle of the street. After investigation, Smith was taken into custody.

“The area in which this crime was committed is filled with businesses, residences, and significant traffic, especially at that time of day. I’m thankful no one was hurt, and grateful to law enforcement and prosecutors for ensuring a guilty verdict for such a brazen act of violence,” said District Attorney Tim Ward.

Smith possesses a significant prior criminal history including convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, possession and transportation for sale of a controlled substance, felon in possession of ammunition, resisting an executive officer, and inflicting injury on a spouse / cohabitant.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 18, 2022, where Smith faces up to 14 years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Onik Ovansian and was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494