The suspect in this morning’s shooting of a deputy is in custody.
The sheriff’s office and State Bureau of Investigation announced that William Robert Smith Jr., 48, is in custody. He faces a single count of attempted first degree murder as well as other charges.
The SBI said Smith is being transported to an area hospital for medical treatment before he is placed in the county detention center. The SBI did not specify why Smith needed medical attention.
Smith allegedly fled a traffic stop on Delco Prosper Road this morning before 8 a.m. After crashing his truck, he ran from the crash scene. When a deputy encountered Smith a short time later, the two began fighting, and the deputy was shot in the arm.
The deputy drove himself from the scene and met another deputy, who transported him to meet an ambulance. The wounded deputy was listed in stable condition after surgery this afternoon.
Smith is known for driving a truck without tags in the Delco area, residents said. He has an extensive history of traffic violations, including speeding and no insurance. His address is listed on court documents as 4087 Delco Prosper Road.
Smith was on probation for a 2024 arrest for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, resisting an officer, assault on an officer, having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, and other charges. He was sentenced to six to 17 months in prison in January 2025. In April, he violated probation and an order for his arrest was issued, according to court documents.
In addition to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, deployed personnel and equipment came from the U.S. Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement, Dept. of Adult Corrections, and Wildlife Resources Commission. Deputies from New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Robeson, and Bladen counties responded. Police from Whiteville, Burgaw, Tabor City, and Hope Mills were on the search. The Whiteville Drone Team, Columbus EMS, Columbus Emergency Management, and New Hanover Emergency Management also assisted.
